Italy vs Albania LIVE: Euro 2024 result and final score from Group B fixture tonight
Italy 2-1 Albania: The defending champions conceded the quickest goal in European Champion history but came from behind to claim an opening win in Dortmund
Italy began the defence of their European Championship crown with a narrow 2-1 win against Albania in Dortmund. Albania scored the fastest goal in Euros history after Nedim Bajrami collected Dimarco’s throw-in and rifled past Donnarumma within 23 seconds of kick-off.
But a determined Azzurri side quickly got one back after Alessandro Bastoni rose highest to thump home a header at the far post, and the comeback was completed within 16 minutes when Nicolo Barella sliced a beautiful half-volley past Strakosha from the edge of the box.
Italy named a much-changed side from the one that was victorious at Wembley three years ago, with injuries and retirements meaning that just five players who started in the 2021 final lining up tonight.
But the Azzurri were accomplished in possession after gaining the lead, with Barella, Bastoni, Calafiori and Jorginho guiding them to a win that was a lot more comfortable than the scoreline might suggest.
The holders will face a jubilant Spain side on 20 June in their next game, while Albania will be looking for a crucial three points as they face Croatia.
Relive all the action from Italy vs Albania below, plus more reaction from Spain’s 3-0 win over Croatia
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
74 mins
Albania have certainly been better this half, but they’re still lacking cohesion in attack. They lose possession again with an attempted ball over the top.
There’s a booking for Hoxha as he elbows Frattesi in the back.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
72 mins
Bastoni wins the footrace and shepherds it back to Donnarumma, before Albania win possession back quickly.
The ball comes over the top to Broja, but again it’s overhit and runs to Donnarumma.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
66 mins
Chiesa wins a corner off Mitaj. Dimarco clips a great cross to the back post and Di Lorenzo gets his head to it, but it’s deflected behind.
From the second corner, Dimarco delivers an out-swinging ball which is cleared by Asllani.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
64 mins
Decent combination from Italy as Barella plays a clipped ball over to Frattesi, but his hooked effort lands on the top of the net.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
63 mins
Albania win it back and enjoy another little period of possession, but they’re still lacking a clear threat. Pellegrini wins possession and Italy counter, but the attack ends as Jorginho’s through ball is intercepted.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
60 mins
Bastoni tries to go long over the top but Hysaj heads it out. Italy come again, with Jorginho spreading it to Chiesa, who ends up curling a shot past the far post as he tried to guide it into the corner.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
56 mins
Some great play from Italy as Scamacca flicks it around the corner to Pellegrini, who sends a flick of his own through to Frattesi, but Strakosha saves well again.
It’s offside in the end anyway, but Strakosha didn’t know that.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
55 mins
Albania have enjoyed a brief spell of sustained possession, though they’re yet to fashion a clear-cut opportunity, and the long ball over the Italy defence runs to Donnarumma.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
50 mins
There’s a lot of space opening up for Italy’s midfielders now. Barella collects the ball and plays it to Scamacca, but the attack breaks down.
Albania counter, and Broja wins a foul near the edge of the Italy box after being dragged down by Calafiori, who is booked.
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