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
Albania’s Nedim Bajrami scores fastest European Championship goal ever to stun Italy
Nedim Bajrami scored for Albania against Italy after just 23 seconds in the fastest goal in European Championship history.
Federico Dimarco took a throw-in back towards Gigi Donnarumma’s goal. But it lacked enough power to reach a teammate, with Bajrami quick to pounce.
The finish was too powerful, despite hitting the inside of the near post, with the Albania fans celebrating wildly at the Westfalenstadion.
Albania’s Nedim Bajrami scores fastest Euros goal ever to stun Italy
The Azzurri suffered a shock just 23 seconds into their European Championship defence in Dortmund
HALF-TIME: Italy 2-1 Albania
48 mins
HALF-TIME! The referee brings the first half to an end.
It started brightly after the quickest goal in the history of the competition, but Italy’s quality has shone through and the holders go into the break 2-1 up.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
46 mins
There’ll be three minutes of added time in the first half.
Italy are ending the half in the same way that they’ve spent most of it – in fairly relaxed possession.
And it almost ends in a lovely goal, with Frattesi carrying towards the box and laying it off to Chiesa. He hits a lovely first-time cross, and Pellegrini is racing into the box – he gets contact with a diving effort but he can only direct it wide.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
42 mins
Albania are enjoying some possession as the half draws to a close, but they’re struggling to create any chances. They kick it long to try and get the knock down, but Calafiori deals with it well.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
40 mins
CLOSE!
Pellegrini wins a header on the edge of the box which ends up at the feet of Scamacca. He’s one-v-one, but Strakosha makes another good save.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
25 mins
Albania go long once more and it looks problematic for Bastoni, but he cushions a header back to Donnarumma.
Italy go on the attack, but Di Lorenzo gives it away.
Euro 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania
20 mins
A brilliant recovery from Italy now, and what a goal that was.
Barella was a doubt for this game after a muscle injury, but that has really shown his importance to this Italy side.
The Azzurri attack again and win a corner, which Dimarco swings in, but Strakosha punches it away.
GOAL! Italy 2-1 Albania
16 mins
GOAL! What a hit, and Italy are ahead!
There’s some pinball in the Albania box and it’s cleared poorly.
It runs straight to Barella on the edge of the box, and he cuts across it on the half-volley and smashes it into the left-hand corner! Lovely technique.
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