Holders Italy Secure Hard-Earned Victory Over Albania in Euro 2024 Opener.
Italy battled back for a hard-earned opening victory after Albania scored the fastest goal in a European Championship match. Nedim Bajrami made history after just 23 seconds, thrashing a strike into the top right corner following a miscalculated throw-in by Federico Dimarco. However, Albania’s jubilation in Dortmund was short-lived.
Despite their early setback, Italy quickly asserted control. Alessandro Bastoni headed home Lorenzo Pellegrini’s inswinging delivery after a clever short corner to level the score in the 11th minute. Just five minutes later, Nicolo Barella smashed in from 20 yards to put Italy ahead.
Italy dominated possession, entering half-time with 72.2% possession and 13 shots to Albania’s four. Although they continued to control the ball in the second half, they struggled to create further clear-cut chances and were unable to extend their advantage.
Albania, who had opted to sit back after their early goal, failed to threaten Italy’s lead. Luciano Spalletti’s Italy expertly exploited the pockets of space created by Albania’s defensive approach, with Jorginho and Federico Chiesa pulling the strings in midfield.
Albania’s goalkeeper, Thomas Strakosha, prevented a more significant deficit, expertly pushing a Davide Frattesi shot against the post and denying Gianluca Scamacca from close range. Despite their improved second-half performance, Albania could not find a way back into the match, with Gianluigi Donnarumma saving a late effort from Rey Manaj to secure Italy’s 2-1 victory.
Italy’s Controlled Performance
Once Italy recovered from their early lapse, they displayed dominance and control. Spalletti’s men pressed energetically and created numerous chances, with Chiesa particularly impressive as he dribbled forward with ease despite the number of Albanian defenders.
Italy’s well-drilled approach and intelligent passing pulled Albania’s defence out of shape. However, striker Scamacca did little to impress when the ball was worked his way. Despite their attacking intent fizzling out, Italy’s victory never looked in doubt.
Under new management and with a markedly different squad from the one that won the last Euros, Italy are a team in transition. Difficult group games against Croatia and Spain remain, but Saturday’s victory, aside from the early blip, was a strong showing to kick off their campaign.
**A Record-Breaking Goal for Albania**
Albania had only scored one major tournament goal before Saturday, but Bajrami’s strike was a special one, providing their second and breaking a 20-year-old record. Bajrami’s goal, scored after just 23 seconds, beat the 67 seconds it took Dmitri Kirichenko to score for Russia against Greece in Euro 2004.
Sylvinho’s side are in a tough group, and progressing to the knockout stage looks unlikely. However, this year’s tournament will hold a special place in Albanian fans’ hearts for years to come, with Bajrami’s record likely to stand for a long time.
