Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile has been granted Albanian citizenship. Albanian President Bajram Begaj signed the decree on 19 October, and it has since been published in Albania’s official gazette.
How the citizenship was granted
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Caprile now holds dual citizenship. He was born in Verona to Italian parents and has no Albanian heritage.
He was granted citizenship through his marriage to Emily Toshkollari, whose family is Albanian.
Caprile’s Italy appearances
Caprile has represented Italy at Under-18 and Under-21 level. He was called up to the senior Italy squad by Gennaro Gattuso in November 2025.
He has never won a senior cap, so he is not yet tied to Italy.
FIFA eligibility rules
Holding a passport does not automatically make Caprile eligible to represent Albania. FIFA requires a player taking up a new nationality to prove a genuine link to the country, through birth, parents or grandparents, or long-term residence.
Marriage alone does not meet those FIFA criteria. FIFA would need to approve any switch.
Reports in Italy on Albania interest
Reports in Italy say the Albanian federation is already exploring the possibility of calling Caprile up. Football Italia said FIFA has blocked similar cases in the past.
Albania’s current No 1, Alen Sherri, is Caprile’s backup at Cagliari. Football Italia writes that Albania are coached by Rolando Maran.