NEW DELHI: Italy managed to overcome the shock of conceding the fastest goal in European Championship history, defeating Albania 2-1 in Dortmund on Saturday. Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella secured the victory for the defending champions in their opening match.
Albania's fans created an electric atmosphere at the Dortmund BVB Stadion when Nedim Bajrami scored from a tight angle just 23 seconds into the game, taking advantage of a careless throw-in by Federico Dimarco.
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UEFA European Championship FixturesAccording to Reuters, the goal broke the previous record set by Russia's Dmitri Kirichenko, who scored after 67 seconds against Greece in 2004.
Despite the early setback, Italy remained composed and equalized in the 11th minute through Bastoni's header from a short corner delivered by Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Barella, who recently returned from injury, put the Azzurri ahead five minutes later with a powerful strike from outside the box. Davide Frattesi nearly extended Italy's lead in the 34th minute, but Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha tipped his chipped shot onto the post.
Italy's young team, assembled by coach Luciano Spalletti, dominated possession with quick and precise passing, although they struggled to create many clear-cut chances.
Central defender Riccardo Calafiori put in an impressive performance in only his third international appearance, filling in for more experienced teammates who were out with injuries.
Spalletti took charge of the national team in September following Roberto Mancini's controversial decision to coach Saudi Arabia, despite having led Italy to victory at Euro 2020.
The tournament in Germany serves as an important stepping stone for Italy's aspirations to return to the World Cup after failing to qualify in 2018 and 2022.
Italy's credentials will face a sterner test on Thursday when they take on Spain, who comfortably defeated Croatia 3-0 in Berlin earlier on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Albania will face Croatia on Wednesday in Group B.
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