Hasa's Bold Switch: Ditching Italy U21 for Albania's Senior Eagles

Imagine pulling on the Azzurri kit one minute, then swapping it for the red and black of Albania the next. That's exactly what Luis Hasa, the Napoli midfielder currently lighting it up on loan at Carrarese, has done. Born in Italy to Albanian parents, the 22-year-old has flipped his international allegiance, as reported by Susy Campanale at Football Italia.

He's not mucking about either – Hasa's committing to Albania's senior side from here on out. No more youth caps for Italy; it's time for the big leagues with the Eagles.

From Juventus Youth to Serie B Star

Hasa's journey reads like a classic Italian football fairy tale with a twist. He cut his teeth in the Juventus academy, honing that creative spark in their youth setup. From there, he hopped to Lecce before Napoli snapped him up in January 2025 – a smart bit of business for the Partenopei.

Loaned to Carrarese in Serie B, he's been a revelation. Five goals and three assists in 25 appearances? Not bad for a chap who's meant to be the playmaker pulling strings from midfield. His vision and cheeky finishes have fans in Tuscany buzzing.

Picture him threading passes like a Scouser in a tight spot or smashing one in from range. That's Hasa – versatile, flair-filled, and now Albania-bound.

Italy Caps to Albanian Ambition

Hasa's no stranger to the international stage. He's racked up three caps for Italy U21, including a tidy opener in their 1-0 win over Turkey U21 back in March 2024 at Ferrara's Stadio Paolo Mazza. He even featured in that gritty 1-0 victory against France U21 in June.

But here's the rub: despite shining at U18, U19, U20, and U21 levels, a senior Italy call-up felt like a distant dream. With the Azzurri's midfield crammed full of galacticos, Hasa reckoned his best shot at proper caps lay elsewhere.

Dual citizenship opened the door, and he's kicked it wide open. Albania, on the rise under their coaches, will love a talent like him – especially one who's already proven he can boss youth internationals.

It's not the first time we've seen this switcheroo. Remember Stephan El Shaarawy flirting with Egypt? Or Mario Balotelli sticking Italian? Hasa's punt feels right for him, though. Why wait for a miracle when you can soar with the Eagles now?

What's Next for the Albanian New Boy?

At Carrarese, Hasa's bang in form, helping them punch above their weight in Serie B. Come season's end, he'll head back to Napoli, where Gian Piero Gasperini – wait, no, Antonio Conte's lot – might just have a squad role lined up.

For Albania, expect him in qualifiers pronto. Their Nations League or World Cup dreams could use his guile. Imagine him linking up with the likes of Lorenco Shipi or Miralem Sulejmani types – fresh blood with Italian polish.

Fans might chuckle at Italy losing another gem, but fair play to Hasa for backing himself. In a world where loyalty's flexible as a dodgy VAR decision, this lad's chasing glory. Keep an eye on him, lads – he could be the next big Albanian export after Lorik Cana.

Word on the street? Albania's manager's grinning ear to ear. Italy U21? A tad miffed, but life's too short for what-ifs. Cheers to Hasa – may your boots stay laced and your passes pinpoint.