On the back of an impressive first season at Premier League level with Leeds United, Gjanni Alioski will continue to create history by playing for his nation at their first ever major tournament.
Their dramatic play-off victory against Georgia saw Alioski’s side qualify for the finals, where they will look to dream on the big stage. Following another stunning performance and win over Germany away from home in March, the Lynxes could be an exciting watch this summer.
Who is in charge of North Macedonia?
At the helm is Igor Angelovski. A former midfielder who played his footballing career across North Macedona, Serbia and Slovenia, Igor’s coaching career began in his home nation in 2013. He left club management in 2015 and was given the honour of managing his nation.
The head coach has an impressive win ratio of just under 50% and has created a dangerous attacking side, who will look to surprise a few at the Euro’s.
Who are North Macedonia playing?
Facing Gjanni and his teammates this summer in Group C of the competition will be Austria, Ukraine and the Netherlands. It’s a group that on paper looks a competitive one, with all teams feeling they have the possibility of progressing.
Sunday 13th June, 2021 - Arena Nationala, Bucharest
Austria vs North Macedonia - 17:00
Thursday 17th June, 2021 - Arena Nationala, Bucharest
Ukraine vs North Macedonia - 14:00
Monday 21st June, 2021 - Johan Cruijff ArenA - Amsterdam
North Macedonia vs Netherlands - 17:00
How many times has Gjanni Alioski played for his country?
Gjanni is closing in on his 50th appearance for his country, after first pulling on the shirt in 2013. It was in 2016 when he got his first goal, in a World Cup Qualification match against Albania.
Having began playing for his country at full-back - a position he knows well - Alioski was moved into a more attacking role and it has benefited his nation. Since 2018, he has added a further six goals to his tally and is a key part of Angelovski’s attacking plans.
Last time out: n/a
This is their first major tournament!
Who else is in the squad?
Stole Dimitrievski (Rayo Vallecano), Damjan Sikovski (Doxa), Risto Jankov (Rabotnicki)
Stefan Ristovksi (Dinamo), Darko Velkovski (Rijeka), Visar Musliu (Fehervar), Gjanni Alioski (Leeds United), Egzon Bejtulai (Shkendija), Kire Ristevski (Ujpest), Gjoko Zajkov (Charleroi)
Arijan Ademi (Dinamo), Boban Nikolov (Lecce), Enis Bardhi (Levante), Elif Elmas (Napoli), Stefan Spirovski (Larnaca), Tihomir Kostadinov (Ruzomberok), Ferhan Hasani (Partizani), Daniel Avramovski (Kayserispor), Marijan Radeski (Akademija Pandev)
Goran Pandev (Genoa), Aleks Trajkovski (Mallorca), Ivan Trickovski (Larnaca), Vlatko Stojanovksi (Chambly), Darko Churlinov (Stuttgart), Milan Ristovski (Spartak Trnava), Krste Velkoski (Sarajevo)
