Euro 2024 Stunner! Italy Wins After Early Shock
Reigning European champions Italy secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Albania in a Group B clash at EURO 2024.
The match unfolded at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund and was broadcast live exclusively on Moldova 1, the national television station.
The encounter began with a dramatic turn of events. Italian defender Federico Dimarco carelessly misplaced a throw-in intended for a teammate. Nedim Bajrami capitalised on the blunder, firing home to open the scoring just 23 seconds after kickoff, setting a new record for the fastest goal ever scored at the European Championship.
The Italians responded swiftly. In the 11th minute, Lorenzo Pellegrini whipped in a cross from a short corner kick, which Alessandro Bastoni headed home. Five minutes later, the "Squadra Azzurra" seized the lead. Following a sustained attack, Nicolo Barella capitalised on a poor clearance from an opponent and fired home from outside the box. The reigning champions could have extended their lead further before halftime, but Davide Frattesi rattled the crossbar.
The second half saw Italy squander a good chance when Federico Chiesa received a brilliant pass from Gianluca Scamacca. He attempted to catch Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, but his shot sailed wide. Albania remained resolute. Kristjan Asllani unleashed a powerful long-range effort, but the ball went astray. In the dying moments of the match, Rey Manaj also came close to equalising for Albania, but his attempt went past the goal guarded by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Following this opening match, both Italy and Spain sit atop Group B with three points each, while Croatia and Albania remain without points.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
