Italy vs Albania: Champions Azzurri Survive Early Scare

Italy, the reigning champions, kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Albania in a match marked by an early scare and a dominant second half performance.

Early Scare

The match began with a bang, literally, as Albania's Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in European Championship history just 23 seconds into the game. The goal came after a calamitous throw-in by Italy's Federico Dimarco, which Bajrami capitalized on with a rising shot beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Italy's Response

Italy responded quickly to the early setback, equalizing in the 11th minute through Alessandro Bastoni's powerful header. Five minutes later, Nicolo Barella showcased his class, capitalizing on a hasty clearance to notch a stunning strike from the edge of the box and restore Italy's lead.

Second Half Dominance

Despite Italy's dominance in possession and territorial advantage following the equalizer, they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the second half. Coach Luciano Spalletti cut an agitated figure on the sidelines as his side's inability to extend their lead left him visibly displeased.

Key Players

• Nicolo Barella: Barella was the standout player for Italy, pulling the strings at the heart of the side and demonstrating just how important his fitness is to their hopes. He capped a superb showing with a wonderful goal and barely put a foot wrong.
• Alessandro Bastoni: Bastoni's powerful header in the 11th minute was crucial in leveling the score and setting the tone for Italy's comeback.
• Federico Dimarco: Dimarco's errant throw-in led to Albania's early goal, but he also played a key role in Italy's comeback, providing the assist for Bastoni's equalizer.

Team Performance

Italy: Italy's performance was marked by a mix of both brilliance and frustration. They dominated the match after the early scare but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the second half.

Albania: Albania's early goal and spirited performance in the first half made them a formidable opponent, but they ultimately fell short due to Italy's superior quality and depth.

Conclusion

Italy's 2-1 victory over Albania marked a solid start to their Euro 2024 campaign, but they will need to improve their finishing and conversion rates if they are to succeed in the tournament.

The Bad Tackle

Italy manager Luciano Spaletti said they need to be meaner and hurt the opposition.

Albania provided an early shocker, but couldn't maintain it. They were found lacking in team maturity.