Italy 2-1 Albania: Azzurri start Euro 2024 with slender win

Barella leads fightback as Bajrami scores fastest goal in Euros history

DanLong__, WEB Digital Football Journalist Saturday 15 June 2024 2205 UK

Italy began their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Albania in Dortmund on Saturday.

Ermir Bajrami put Albania ahead with the fastest goal in Euros history after just 23 seconds, but Nicolo Barella equalised for Italy just before half-time.

Alessandro Bastoni netted the winner for Roberto Mancini's side early in the second half, as Italy made a winning start to their Group A campaign.

The match was played in front of a sparse crowd at the Signal Iduna Park, with many fans still arriving when Bajrami gave Albania a shock lead.

The Lecce forward took advantage of some slack Italian defending to race clear and slot home past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Italy struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, but Barella's equaliser just before the break gave them a lifeline.

The Inter Milan midfielder curled a stunning effort into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Italy started the second half brightly and Bastoni put them ahead in the 53rd minute.

The Tottenham defender rose highest to meet Federico Chiesa's cross and head home from close range.

Albania pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Italy held on to secure all three points.