2-1 after early shock: European champion Italy defeats Albania

In the 2:1 (2:1) against Albania, the Squadra Azzurra made up for a 0:1 deficit after 23 seconds. Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in European Championship history, Alessandro Bastoni (11th) and Nicolo Barella (16th) scored early goals in a match that continued the trend of the still young German European Championship: at least three goals were scored in all four matches. In the tough Group B, Italy and Spain are the opening winners after a 3:0 win against Croatia. On Thursday (9 p.m.) there will be a southern European duel for the likely group victory. The clear underdog Albania will face the Croatians, who are already under pressure, on Wednesday (3 p.m.).

• Read also: After 23 seconds: Albanian Bajrami scored the fastest goal in European Championship history

Early shock experience

In their first finals match in three years, the Italians, coached by Luciano Spalletti, had to deal with an early shock. A catastrophic throw-in by Federico di Marco into his own box became a gift for Bajrami, who powerfully shot over the shoulder of star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Albanian fans, who clearly outnumbered them in the Dortmund Arena, cheered frenetically. But the joy did not last long.

The 2021 European Championship champions corrected the false start with constant pressure, Lorenzo Pellegrini missed the big equalizer opportunity while still free (3′). In the 11th minute, however, Bastoni headed in after a short corner. The central defender took advantage of the freedom that the world number 66 granted him in the five-meter box.

Shortly afterwards, the game was turned around. Albania’s striker Jasir Asani involuntarily set up Barella. The Inter Milan player, whose participation had been questioned after muscle fatigue, scored a spectacular direct shot from 17 meters. A tackle by the disruptive Di Marco on Asani was deemed to be in accordance with the rules by the referee team.

Albania hardly managed to provide relief

After that, the favorites were not quite so keen, but they were able to impress with Barella as a ball distributor and creative attacking football. In the 33rd minute, attacking tank Gianluca Scamacca also showed his playing skills, passing the ball to Davide Frattesi in an outstanding manner. His chip landed on the post because goalie Thomas Strakosha was still able to get to it with his fingertips.

• Read also: Mbappé: “Being the favourite is good, but winning is better”

Albania hardly managed to relieve the pressure, but could hope for another lucky punch because Italy lacked the efficiency of the early stages. The scoreline kept things tricky. Dangerous finishes from Scamacca, Pellegrini, Di Marco and Federico Chiesa testified to the unchanged dominance of the favorite, who gradually remembered his historical roots – the defense.

When there was little sign of the score being 2:2, the Eastern Europeans had a great chance to equalise. Rej Manaj, who had escaped his guards after a long ball, was stopped from a tight angle by Donnarumma (90′).