Italy got off to a good start in their defence of the European title they won three years ago at Wembley. At Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park, Mancini's Azzurri beat Albania 2-1 thanks to a dramatic comeback.
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The match started with a nightmare for Italy: after just 23 seconds, Bajrami gave Albania the lead with the fastest goal in the history of the European Championship. The Azzurri responded immediately and in the 11th minute Bastoni scored the equalizer with a header. Five minutes later, Barella overturned the result with a precise shot.
Italy dominated the pitch and created several chances to make it three, but in the 90th minute they took a big risk: Manaj found himself alone in front of Donnarumma, who saved the result with a prodigious intervention.
Overall, a performance of character by the Azzurri, who earned three precious points in a complicated debut.
The key points
Lightning goal: Bajrami gives Albania the lead after just 23 seconds.
Immediate comeback: Italy equalized with Bastoni in the 11th minute and overturned the result with Barella in the 16th minute.
Donnarumma decisive: The Azzurri goalkeeper saves the result with a prodigious intervention on Manaj in the 90th minute.
Italy dominatese: The Azzurri created several chances to make it three and controlled the match from start to finish.
Italy will return to action on Tuesday 19 June against Turkey, again at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
The statistics
Ball possession: Italy 62%, Albania 38%
Shots: Italy 15 (6 on target), Albania 5 (2 on target)
Corners: Italy 8, Albania 2
Ammonites: Pellegrini (Italy), Broja (Albania), Calafiori (Italy)
Article published on 15 June 2024 - 23:05
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