Football News

Edon Zhegrova Continues His Strong Form

October 3, 2026Pablo Navarro3 мин

Edon Zhegrova left his mark on Kosovo's match against Israel in just a few minutes. The Juventus winger came off the bench in the Nations League fixture, which ended 0-0 on the neutral ground in Debrecen. He was introduced in the 77th minute, replacing Valmir Matoshi.

While insufficient time remained to alter the outcome, it was enough to once again demonstrate a trait Luciano Spalletti knows well: when Zhegrova receives the ball and can attack an opponent, things can happen.

Zhegrova Starts on the Bench

Coach Franco Foda's decision sparked debate. Zhegrova had started the victory against Ireland and scored against Austria, yet he was initially excluded from the starting lineup against Israel. Kosovo fielded a significantly altered formation, with Foda opting to give opportunities to less-used players. The coach explained this by the need to broaden options for upcoming matches. However, Kosovo struggled to find the decisive play to break the deadlock.

Just 13 Minutes for the Juventus Player

Zhegrova had to wait until the 77th minute. At that point, Foda sent him on for Matoshi. The available time was very limited. Nevertheless, the Juventus player immediately attempted to inject pace into the team's attack.

With Him, Kosovo Becomes More Unpredictable

This is likely the aspect that most interests Juventus. Zhegrova possesses a quality not abundant in many squads. When he receives the ball in a favorable position, he forces the opposing defense to change their approach. This unpredictability was precisely what Kosovo lacked for much of the game against Israel. It's unsurprising, then, that the management of his playing time generated discussion among Kosovo supporters.

Edon Zhegrova Continues His Strong Form

Edon Zhegrova made his presence felt in Kosovo's match against Israel within minutes. The Juventus winger entered as a substitute in the Nations League fixture, which concluded in a 0-0 draw on neutral territory in Debrecen. He was brought on in the 77th minute, taking the place of Valmir Matoshi.

Though not enough time remained to change the scoreline, it was sufficient to again showcase a characteristic Luciano Spalletti is familiar with: when Zhegrova gets the ball and can take on an opponent, something can occur.

Zhegrova Starts on the Bench

Coach Franco Foda's choice drew criticism. Zhegrova had started in the win against Ireland and scored against Austria, but he was initially left out of the lineup against Israel. Kosovo presented a heavily modified squad, and Foda chose to give playing time to several less-featured players. The coach explained this as a necessity to expand options for future games. However, Kosovo found it difficult to create the play needed to break the stalemate.

Only 13 Minutes for the Juventus Player

Zhegrova had to wait until the 77th minute. Foda then brought him into the game for Matoshi. The time available was minimal. Yet, the Juventus player immediately tried to quicken the tempo of the offensive buildup.

With Him, Kosovo Becomes More Unpredictable

This is likely the detail that most concerns Juventus. Zhegrova has a quality that is not common in squads. When he manages to receive the ball in a good position, he forces the opposition's defense to adjust their stance. This unpredictability was exactly what Kosovo lacked for most of the game against Israel. Therefore, it is not surprising that the way his playing time was handled led to discussions among Kosovo fans.