The curtain officially closed last night on Serie A Week 18, and once again Albanian football fans had every reason to feel proud. Two of the most important defenders from the Albanian-speaking world, Berat Gjimshiti and Amir Rrahmani, delivered outstanding performances with their respective clubs, Atalanta and Napoli. Their consistency, leadership, and defensive excellence earned them a deserved spot in the Serie A Team of the Week, as selected by the popular statistics platform Sofascore.
For Albanians in Albania, Kosovo, and the diaspora, this recognition is more than just an individual achievement—it is proof that Albanian players are becoming pillars of Europe’s top leagues.
Top Ratings from Sofascore
According to Sofascore’s detailed match analysis, Berat Gjimshiti was one of the highest-rated players of the entire week, receiving an impressive 8.9 rating. His commanding presence at the back, accurate passing, and tactical awareness were key factors in Atalanta’s defensive stability.
Meanwhile, Amir Rrahmani, the captain of the Kosovo national team, was also exceptional for Napoli. With a solid and disciplined performance, Rrahmani earned a strong 8.0 rating, confirming his importance in Napoli’s defensive structure and his reliability in high-pressure situations.
Together with young Italian defender Giorgio Scalvini, the two Albanian captains formed the defensive line of the official Serie A Best XI of the Week.
Leaders on and off the Pitch
What makes this achievement even more special is the leadership role both players hold. Berat Gjimshiti, the captain of the Albanian national team, has become a symbol of consistency and professionalism at Atalanta. Season after season, he continues to prove why he is trusted both at club and international level.
On the other side, Amir Rrahmani, captain of Kosovo, has established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in Serie A. His calmness, positioning, and experience have turned him into a key figure for Napoli, especially during crucial moments of the season.
A Perfect Start to 2026
Week 18 marks an excellent start to 2026 for both players. Their performances underline the fact that they are not just squad members, but cornerstones of their teams’ defensive systems. As Serie A enters a decisive phase, Atalanta and Napoli will heavily rely on the experience and leadership of Gjimshiti and Rrahmani.
For Albanian football as a whole, this is another clear message: players from Albania and Kosovo are no longer exceptions in elite football—they are leaders, captains, and match-winners.
Albanian Football on the European Map
The success of Gjimshiti and Rrahmani continues to inspire young Albanian talents and strengthens the image of Albanian football across Europe. Their inclusion in the Serie A Team of the Week is not only a personal triumph but also a collective victory for all Albanian fans.
As the season progresses, expectations remain high—and if Week 18 is any indication, Albanian pride in Serie A is only getting stronger.