Italy’s defense of their Euro 2024 title began with a stunning start, conceding the quickest goal in tournament history to Albania but rallying back for a 2-1 victory at Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion.
The match started disastrously for Italy when Federico Dimarco’s wayward throw-in was intercepted by Albania’s Nedim Bajrami, who scored an impressive goal just 23 seconds into the game. The large contingent of passionate Albanian fans erupted in joy at this unexpected early lead.
However, Italy quickly recovered from the shock and took control of the game for the remainder of the first half. In the 11th minute, Alessandro Bastoni equalized for the Azzurri with a powerful header from Lorenzo Pellegrini’s accurate corner kick.
Italy’s dominance continued, and they seized the lead in the 16th minute through Nicolo Barella’s superb first-time shot from outside the penalty area, leaving the Albanian goalkeeper with no chance.
The second half saw Italy adopt a more cautious approach to protect their lead. Despite their efforts, Albania nearly equalized in stoppage time when Rey Manaj’s chipped shot hit the crossbar, narrowly missing a dramatic late goal.
This hard-fought victory marks a positive start for Italy in the tournament. However, it also highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities that coach Luciano Spalletti will need to address. Spalletti, who took charge after Italy’s struggles in World Cup qualifying, emphasized the gap in experience between the two teams despite the close scoreline.
Italy’s win extends their unbeaten streak under Spalletti to 11 games. Looking ahead, they face tough challenges in Group B against strong opponents like Spain and Croatia, requiring them to maintain their high standards.
Despite the loss, Albania remains optimistic. Coach Sylvinho, a former defender for Barcelona and Arsenal, praised his young team for gaining valuable experience against a top European side. Their near miss in stoppage time showed glimpses of their potential to compete on this stage.
Euro 2024 has already showcased excitement with an average of four goals per game across three matches. The tournament promises more thrilling football as it progresses, with each team striving for success on the European stage.
In conclusion, Italy’s comeback victory against Albania was a testament to their resilience and determination to defend their Euro title. While they started with a scare, their ability to recover quickly and secure the win sets a positive tone for their campaign ahead.
