Kosovo without its former captain and with Bayern's great talent

The start of the new edition of the UEFA Nations League also marks the beginning of a new era for the Kosovo national football team.

Coach Franco Foda on Friday published the list of players he will count on for the first four matches of the fifth edition of the Nations League.

The list does not include the current captain, Amir Rrahmani, who has decided to leave the national team due to dissatisfaction with the FFK leadership. Furthermore, the Napoli defender has made serious accusations against the Federation leadership. Florent Hadërgjonaj, who has not been invited regularly recently, is also missing from the list. He announced on Thursday that he is leaving the team due to dissatisfaction with the technical staff. Meanwhile, on Friday, the decision to end his international career was announced by midfielder Valon Berisha and defender Fidan Aliti.

Elvis Rexhbeçaj, Florent Muslija and Kreshnik Hajrizi are missing due to injuries.

The name of Bayern's great talent, Erblin Osmani, stands out on the list. The 17-year-old has played for Germany's U16 and U17 teams. The midfielder has already made his debut for Bayern's first team and is considered a future player for the Kosovo national team.

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Dion Kaçuri is another new name on the list. The 22-year-old midfielder has played for Switzerland's youth teams. He has not been mentioned as a candidate for Switzerland A. Currently at Austria Lustenau, on loan from Basel, Kaçuri is expected to serve to strengthen the competitiveness in the middle of the field.

Milot Avdyli has been called up to Kosovo A for the first time. He was previously an important part of Kosovo U21. The 24-year-old has been rewarded for his good performances at Celje in Slovenia.

The others are confirmed names, while some return to the team. Arijanet Muriq, Amir Shaipi and Visar Bekaj are the guest goalkeepers. 

Albian Hajdari is expected to be the new leader of the defense, and besides him, Mërgim Vojvoda, Lumbardh Dellova, Ilir Krasniqi, Ron Raçi, Leard Sadriu and Dion Gallapeni have also been invited. 

Leon Avdullahu is considered irreplaceable in the midfield. Ermal Krasniqi, Baton Zabërgja, Veldin Hoxha, Vesel Demaku, Lindon Emërllahu, Donat Rrudhani, Muharrem Jashari, Valmir Matoshi, Milot Rashica, Edon Zhegrova have also been invited from the midfielders and wing forwards. The usual Vedat Muriqi, Fisnik Asllani and Albion Rrahmani are competing for the center of attack.

Kosovo plays Ireland in Pristina on September 24. On September 27, the Austria-Kosovo match is played. On October 1, the Israel-Kosovo match is played in Debrecen, while on October 4, Kosovo hosts Austria at "Fadil Vokrri".

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Kosovo seeks success in the Nations League, after playing in the final of the qualifying playoff for the 2026 World Cup. Kosovo will play in League B of the Nations League for the first time.

The players will gather on Monday. The first training session will be at 17:00 PM at "Fadil Vokrri".