Gianni De Biasi made history with Albania’s qualification for Euro 2016. “When I said we could do it, they laughed at me.”

The Italian tactician had a middling career in Serie A and B, including spells at Brescia, Torino, Udinese and Spanish side Levante.

He took over the Albania national team in 2011 and has taken them to their first ever major tournament.

Gianni De Biasi made history with Albania’s qualification for Euro 2016. “When I said we could do it, they laughed at me.”

The Italian tactician had a middling career in Serie A and B, including spells at Brescia, Torino, Udinese and Spanish side Levante.

He took over the Albania national team in 2011 and has taken them to their first ever major tournament.

“When this adventure began three and a half years ago, we were in Georgia and had very few players available,” De Biasi told reporters.

“I told them that if we believed in ourselves, we could do it. Some might’ve laughed at me, but those who laughed back then are celebrating with us today.

“Going back those who have since moved on, like (current assistant manager) Erjon Bogdani and (former assistant manager) Paolo Tramezzani all contributed to bringing Albania their dream.

"We had a whole population behind us. Now we've made Albanians happy all over the world. This is the most satisfying moment of my life.”

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