Michael Folorunsho Makes Competitive Debut as Italy Defeat Albania 2-1.
Michael Folorunsho made his competitive debut for Italy in their 2-1 victory over Albania in their Group B opener in Dortmund on Saturday night.
The match started dramatically as Sassuolo midfielder Nedim Bajrami stunned the crowd by putting Albania in front after just 23 seconds. However, Italy quickly regained their composure. Alessandro Bastoni equalised in the 11th minute, and Nicolo Barella scored a stunning half-volley from outside the 18-yard box just five minutes later.
Folorunsho, a 26-year-old midfielder currently on loan at Hellas Verona from Napoli, made his competitive debut towards the end of the game, replacing Barella. This appearance marked his second cap for Italy, following his participation in the final 15 minutes of a 1-0 friendly win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last Sunday.
Folorunsho, who is of Nigerian heritage, has made a significant impact at Hellas Verona, playing 34 times in Serie A, scoring five goals and providing one assist.
Italy’s victory places them second in Group B, trailing Spain, who delivered an emphatic win against 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up Croatia earlier in the day.
