Watch Italy vs Albania full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 19:00 (GMT) on 15th June 2024.
The referee for this match is F. Zwayer.
Game played at BVB Stadion Dortmund.
This is a match in Europe – UEFA European Championship, Group B, Season 2024
Luciano Spalletti’s Italy continued their impressive record in opening matches of the UEFA European Championship, extending their unbeaten streak to nine games. The defending champions secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Albania in Dortmund, marking a significant milestone for the Azzurri as they navigate their first tournament in 18 years without stalwarts Giorgio Chiellini or Leonardo Bonucci in the squad.
A Shocking Start
The match began with a stunning turn of events, as Albania took an unexpected lead just 23 seconds into the game. A mix-up between Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni allowed Nedim Bajrami to pounce on a loose ball in the Italian penalty area. Bajrami’s swift and decisive strike at the near post set a new record for the quickest goal in the history of the Euros, leaving Italy momentarily shell-shocked.
Italy’s Rapid Response
Italy, however, quickly regained their composure. Just ten minutes after Albania’s early strike, Alessandro Bastoni redeemed himself by finding the back of the net. Ghosting into the six-yard box unmarked, Bastoni headed past a helpless Thomas Strakosha, leveling the score and restoring confidence to the Italian side. The momentum continued in Italy’s favor as Nicolò Barella unleashed a spectacular half-volley from 20 yards out, giving Italy a 2-1 lead and stunning the Albanian defense.
Second Half Strategies
Despite their first-half dominance, Italy adopted a more cautious approach after the break. Giovanni Di Lorenzo came close to extending Italy’s lead with a back-post header, only to be thwarted by a sharp defensive intervention from Elseid Hysaj. Albania, under Sylvinho’s guidance, made tactical adjustments in search of an equalizer. The introduction of Rey Manaj nearly paid off when he broke through the Italian defense, but Gianluigi Donnarumma’s brilliant save denied his dinked effort, preserving Italy’s lead.
Looking Ahead
While the performance wasn’t flawless, Italy’s victory sets a positive tone as they prepare for their next Group B clash against early table-toppers Spain on Thursday. For Albania, despite their promising start, the focus shifts to their upcoming match against Croatia in four days’ time, where they’ll aim to bounce back and secure vital points.
Italy’s ability to adapt and overcome early adversity highlights their resilience and depth, qualities that will be crucial as they progress in the tournament. As fans look forward to the next fixtures, the excitement and unpredictability of the UEFA European Championship continue to captivate football enthusiasts worldwide.