In Group B of Euro 2024, defending champions Italy managed a 2-1 victory over Albania, recovering post the quickest goal recorded in European Championship history. Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella sealed the win for Italy on Saturday. Albania started off the match with a bang, as Nedim Bajrami shot a goal just 23 seconds into the game, assisted by Federico Dimarco’s hasty throw-in, breaking Dmitri Kirichenko of Russia’s 67-second record set in 2004 against Greece.
Despite this early setback, Italy didn’t lose its nerve. They levelled the score in the 11th minute with a short corner ball from Lorenzo Pellegrini converging into a goal by Bastoni. Five minutes later, Barella marked his return from injury by putting Italy in the lead with a spectacular hit outside the box.
Italian player Davide Frattesi nearly widened their lead in the 34th minute, only to be brushed aside by Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha. Despite having a team primarily of Serie A players, Albania spent most of the match trailing behind Italy’s swift and precise passes facilitated by a youthful squad under the guidance of coach Luciano Spalletti.
On his third international appearance, central defender Riccardo Calafiori showed significant abilities supplanting his injured, more experienced peers. Spalletti, a Serie A title winner with Napoli last year, was appointed coach in September 2020, succeeding Roberto Mancini who opted to coach Saudi Arabia after leading Italy to Euro 2020 victory.
Regaining the World Cup after failing to qualify in 2018 and 2022 is high on Italy’s list, and the German tournament is a fundamental part of that journey. Yet, the true test lies ahead as Italy prepares to face Spain – victors in a 3-0 game against Croatia – on Thursday. Albania is set to battle with Croatia on Wednesday, in the next Group B match.