Winning debut at Euro2024 for Luciano Spalletti’s Italy, who beat Albania 2-1 in Dortmund in the first match of Group B. Disastrous start for the Azzurri, who conceded a goal after just 23 seconds following an error from a throw-in by Dimarco which surprises Bastoni and gives Bajrami the opening goal (the fastest goal in the history of the European Championships). Shortly afterwards, however, Italy returned to the match with a goal from Bastoni following a corner (11′), and then overturned the result with Barella from outside the area (16′). First three points for Spalletti.
For the second time in Italy’s history, between the European Championships and the World Cup, two Inter players scored in a single match (the first on 17 June 1970 vs West Germany, with goals from Boninsegna and Burgnich, in the semi-final of the World Cup in Mexico).
2 – For the 2nd time in Italy’s history, between the European Championships and the World Cup, 2 Inter players scored in a single match (the 1st on 17 June 1970 vs West Germany, with goals from Boninsegna and Burgnich, in the semi-final of the Cup of the World in Mexico). NerAzzurri.#EURo2024
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) June 15, 2024
Here is the match scoreboard:
Italy (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco (37′ st Darmian); Jorginho, Barella (47′ st Folorunsho); Frattesi, Pellegrini (32′ st Cristante), Chiesa (32′ st Cambiaso); Scamacca (37′ st Retegui). Available: Vicario, Meret, Buongiorno, Gatti, Raspadori, Bellanova, Mancini, Zaccagni, Fagioli, El Shaarawy. All.: Spalletti
Albania (4-3-3): Strakosha; Hysaj, Djimsiti, Ajeti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani, Bajrami (42′ st Maçi); Asani (23′ st Hoxha), Broja (31′ st Manaj), Seferi (23′ st Laçi). Available: E. Berisha, Kastrati, Balliu, Gjasula, Mihaj, M. Berisha, Ismajli, Daku, Abrashi, Kumbulla, Aliji. All.: Sylvinho
Referee: Zwayer (Germany)
Scorers: 1′ Bajrami (A), 11′ Bastoni (I), 16′ Barella (I)
Booked: Pellegrini, Calafiori (I); Broja, Hoxha (A)