Albania, a small European country on the Balkan peninsula opposite the "heel" of Italy, gained independence from the Ottoman Empire as a result of the Balkan wars of 1912-13. However, as was the practice at the time, various great powers were seeking to create a "sphere of influence" in Albania, to the extent that, at the outbreak of the Great War, there were no fewer than three rival Albanian governments in various parts of the country.
In 1914, the great powers agreed to try and unify Albania under a neutral prince, but Prince William of Weid proved an unsuccessful leader and came into conflict with his War Minister, Essed Pasha (a former warlord who had ruled much of central Albania). Essed was supported by Italy and Serbia and the prince by Austria-Hungary, and the resulting rebellion saw Essed flee to Italy, then return as his men beseiged Prince William in Durres. Prince William left Albania in September 1914, only 6 months after his arrival, while bands of Greek bandits effectively ruled the south of the country.
Essad, though now recognised by the Allied nations as the lawful ruler of Albania, was in a somewhat precarious position. Serbian forces occupied northern Albania, Greeks the south, and many areas were ruled by warlords and chieftains who were a law unto themselves. Many, supporting the Central Powers, became a thorn in the side of Essad and harrassed Allied lines of communication in Albania.
In 1917, Italy declared that Albania was independent and under their protection. This alarmed France (despite Italy being at least nominally their ally) and the French set up the short-lived republic of Koritsa.
As the war ground to a conclusion and the Allies gained the upper hand in the Balkans, Albania came fully under the sway of Italy, but the Italian government soon decided that garrisoning Albania was something of a wasted effort and granted the country full independence in 1920. Serbia invaded almost immediately, but her forces were driven back after heavy fighting.
After some casting about for a suitable neutral leader - it is said that the great English cricketer C B Fry was offered the throne - former Albanian Prime Minister Ahmed-i-Zog seized power and was crowned King Zog I in 1928.
Albania's involvement in the Great War was largely at the level of a football being kicked around among the great powers, though in 1916, the Italian army formed an Albanian Legion of 2 regular battalions and some irregular troops.