Overview
- Albania’s federation president Armand Duka announced the hire Tuesday, calling it a new cycle with goals of winning the Nations League group and reaching Euro 2028.
- Maran signed a contract running to 2028 and will lead friendlies on June 3 and June 6 against Israel and Luxembourg.
- In his first national-team job, the 62-year-old brings decades in Italy with Cagliari, Chievo, Catania, Genoa, Pisa and Brescia.
- He said he is proud to represent Albania, pledged an aggressive style, and told reporters he plans to move to the country.
- The move extends Albania’s pattern of Italian managers, following Gianni De Biasi, Christian Panucci and Edoardo Reja, after Sylvinho was removed following the failed World Cup bid.