Defending champions Italy got off EURO 2024 to a winning start when they defeated Group B opponents Albania 2-1 at the Signal-Iduna-Park on Saturday, 15th June.
It was a match filled with early drama as Italy found themselves in an early quagmire, conceding the fastest goal in European Championship history, but managing to storm back and secure a victory.
Albania’s Nedim Bajrami etched his name in the record books when he scored after just 23 seconds to give his side a shock lead. His goal broke the previous record of 67 seconds set by Russia’s Dmitri Kirichenko against Greece in 2004.
The early goal came courtesy of an error from Italy’s Federico Dimarco, whose errant throw-in was pounced upon by Bajrami, who made no mistake in firing past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
However, the lead was short-lived as Italy responded emphatically. Just 11 minutes into the match, Alessandro Bastoni powered home a header from Lorenzo Pellegrini’s corner kick to level the scores.
The Italians were soon in front, with Nicolo Barella thumping home a shot in the 16th minute after Albania’s defence failed to clear their lines.
While the scoreline may have suggested a close encounter, Italy were largely in control for the majority of the match. Midfield trio Barella, Pellegrini, and Jorginho dominated possession and dictated the tempo, leaving Albania struggling to retain the ball.
Brentford goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha was the hero for Albania, making a string of impressive saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
Despite their early scare, the Azzurri will be pleased to have begun their title defence with a win, although Luciano Spalletti will undoubtedly be looking for his side to be more clinical in front of goal moving forward.
For Albania, there are positives to take, having pushed the champions for long periods, but they will rue the defensive lapses that ultimately proved costly.
With the three points secured, Italy will now turn their attention to their next Group B clash against leaders Spain, who were superb in their 3-0 win against Croatia earlier in the day. The tough game will be played on Thursday, 20th June at 10 pm and will be live on NBS Sport.
Albania, just like Croatia, must regroup and look to bounce back when the two face off a day earlier in a game that will be played at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.
