Italy Rallies To Defeat Albania In Thrilling Euro 2024 Group B Opener

Italy began their Euro 2024 title defence with a 2-1 comeback victory against Albania at Signal Iduna Park. The reigning European champions were stunned early when Nedim Bajrami scored after just 23 seconds, setting a new record for the fastest goal in European Championship history. Alessandro Bastoni equalised with a header, and Nicolo Barella's finish secured the win in their first Group B match.

The Azzurri, who won the delayed Euro 2020 tournament three years ago, appeared untroubled after the interval. Italy moved level on points with Spain, who defeated Croatia 3-0 earlier on Saturday. Albanian supporters in Dortmund witnessed Bajrami's record-breaking strike, which came after a sloppy Federico Dimarco throw-in allowed Bajrami to score past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Luciano Spalletti's side quickly turned the game around with two goals in six first-half minutes. Lorenzo Pellegrini's short corner found Bastoni, who headed in with ease. Barella then scored a half-volley from the edge of the box past Thomas Strakosha. Strakosha later made a crucial save to deny Davide Frattesi's lob, pushing it against the post.

The second half saw Albania dominate possession without reward. Federico Chiesa went close for Italy with a shot wide of the top-left corner. Donnarumma was called into action late on to deny Rey Manaj's chip, although the referee awarded a goal-kick in the dying seconds.

Bajrami's strike marked the first time Italy conceded the opening goal in successive European Championship games since 2004-2008. However, Spalletti's team responded strongly. Bastoni scored his second international goal, both on German soil, and Barella's 10th goal for Italy set them back on track.

Italy fielded their youngest starting line-up at the Euros since June 1988, with an average age of 26 years and 287 days. This youthful side delivered a dominant performance that belied their age.

Bajrami's goal was Albania's second ever at the European Championships and broke the record for the fastest strike in the tournament's history. Despite this early success, Albania has now lost their last five meetings with Italy across all competitions.

Sylvinho's team will aim to bounce back when they face Croatia on Wednesday. They hope to add to their sole Euros victory, which came in a 1-0 win over Romania during the final group game of Euro 2016.