In modern football, seeing two Albanian players start a Serie A match is no longer a surprise—it has become a symbol of the growing influence of Albanian talent in Italy’s top flight. This weekend’s clash between Udinese and Lecce once again highlighted that trend, as Medon Berisha and Ylber Ramadani both took the field as starters for Lecce.
The two midfielders, key members of the Albanian national team, have been steadily building their reputations in Italian football. While their performances against Udinese were mixed, both left a mark on a game that ended in a narrow 3–2 win for the home side.
Medon Berisha: The Young Talent Learning Fast
At just 22 years old, Medon Berisha continues to show flashes of brilliance that suggest he has a bright future ahead. His performance at the Dacia Arena was a story of redemption—moments of struggle followed by moments of glory.
Berisha was partly at fault for one of Lecce’s conceded goals, with a misplaced pass that allowed Udinese to exploit space and score. But football is a game of resilience, and the young midfielder demonstrated plenty of it.
In the 59th minute, Berisha made amends by scoring Lecce’s first goal of the night, cutting Udinese’s lead to 2–1 and reigniting hope for the visiting side. It was a well-taken finish, a demonstration of his technical ability and composure under pressure.
That goal marked Berisha’s first of the Serie A season, adding to his earlier assist in Lecce’s 2–2 draw against Bologna. For a midfielder still adapting to the pace and physicality of the Italian league, these are encouraging signs of progress.
He was eventually substituted in the 76th minute, likely due to fatigue after a demanding display in both defense and attack.
Ylber Ramadani: The Midfield Engine
If Berisha represents Lecce’s youthful promise, Ylber Ramadani symbolizes reliability and discipline. The 28-year-old midfielder, who joined Lecce after impressive spells in Scotland and Denmark, has quickly established himself as a key figure in Roberto D’Aversa’s system.
Against Udinese, Ramadani once again proved why he’s trusted in the starting lineup. His work rate, pressing, and positional sense were crucial in limiting Udinese’s attacks through the center.
Sky Sport Italia rated him 6.5/10, describing him as “one of Lecce’s most consistent performers.” While he didn’t contribute directly to a goal, his off-the-ball movement and defensive coverage helped the team stay competitive throughout the match.
However, not all outlets were equally generous. Eurosport gave him a slightly lower 5.5/10, suggesting that his passing could have been sharper and that he struggled at times against Udinese’s high press. Still, the general consensus remains that Ramadani continues to be one of Lecce’s most dependable players.
Mixed Ratings, Shared Determination
The post-match ratings told a story of two players with different styles but the same fighting spirit.
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Sky Sport gave Berisha a 6, noting his goal but also his earlier mistake.
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Eurosport rated both Berisha and Ramadani similarly, at 6 and 5.5, emphasizing their hard work but also pointing out areas for improvement.
Despite the defeat, both players showed resilience—a quality Albanian footballers are increasingly known for across Europe.
Lecce’s Current Situation
For Lecce, the result was a disappointment but not a disaster. The team currently sits in 16th place in the Serie A table, hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone with 6 points from 8 matches.
Udinese, on the other hand, have climbed to 8th place, consolidating their solid start to the season. Their victory was deserved, but Lecce’s late push—sparked by Berisha’s goal—kept the home fans nervous until the final whistle.
Coach D’Aversa will likely take positives from the fighting attitude of his players, particularly the Albanian duo, who continue to demonstrate commitment and quality even in difficult circumstances.
The Rise of Albanian Players in Serie A
Over the past decade, Serie A has become a second home for many Albanian footballers. From veterans like Elseid Hysaj to rising stars like Berisha, the red-and-black presence in Italy continues to grow.
This surge reflects both the development of Albanian football infrastructure and the strong work ethic that many Italian clubs value. Players like Ramadani and Berisha embody this evolution: technically skilled, tactically intelligent, and mentally resilient.
Their performances not only make headlines in Italy but also inspire the next generation of Albanian footballers dreaming of playing on Europe’s biggest stages.
While Lecce’s 3–2 defeat to Udinese was a setback, the match once again highlighted the impact of Albanian talent in Serie A. Medon Berisha’s goal and Ylber Ramadani’s solid midfield presence underscored the growing importance of Albanian players in one of the world’s most tactical leagues.
As the season progresses, Lecce will need both of them at their best to steer clear of relegation trouble. For now, though, Albanian football fans can take pride in seeing their compatriots competing—and excelling—at the highest level of Italian football.