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
93 mins
Ramadani brings down Folorunsho, and it’s an Italy free-kick near halfway. They work the ball back to Donnarumma, who clears it long.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
92 mins
Michael Folorunsho replaces Nicolo Barella, who looks like he’s scored the winning goal on the night.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
91 mins
There’s a supporter on the pitch so there’ll be a brief delay. There’ll be four minutes of added time too.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
90 mins
Italy are trying to play keep-ball here, but Albania haven’t given up. Darmian loses possession and there’s a roar from the Albania fans.
And they have their chance as the long ball comes over from Asllani to Manaj, who brings it down and tries to poke it past Donnarumma, but it comes off the Italian’s back and goes wide!
A good save from the Italian.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
86 mins
Still hope for Albania as we approach the end of the 90, but they need some inspiration. Hoxha does well down the left, but he loses it for a throw-in.
Moments later, Sylvinho makes another change as Bejrami comes off for Ernest Muci.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
84 mins
Jorginho slips it through to frattesi, but his clipped cross is behind Retegui.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
83 mins
No real signs of an Albania equaliser as we enter the last 10 minutes in Dortmund. Spalletti makes a double change as Matteo Darmian and Mateo Retegui replace Dimarco and Scamacca.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
81 mins
Albania try the ball over the top once more, but Bastoni is calm to head it back to Donnarumma under the challenge from Bajrami.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
79 mins
Albania have started to press higher as they look to force the issue, but Italy play their way through this time. The Azzurri have possession in the Albania half, and it ends with Dimarco unleashing a shot from range that Strakosha saves easily.
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