The title holder was scared, but assumed his status. Trailing at the start of the match, Italy did what was necessary against Albania to win for its entry into the Euro (2-1), this Saturday evening. Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella quickly erased the error that Nedim Bajrami had taken advantage of to open the scoring in the first minute. Rey Manaj narrowly missed the equalizer at the very end of the match (90th).
The match: 2-1
In possession of the ball, returned by Albania from the kick-off, Italy was surprised by a more than avoidable error. The Albanians’ high pressure paid off as Bajrami intercepted a daring back touch from Federico Dimarco towards Bastoni, and adjusted Gianluigi Donnarumma on the first ball of the match (0-1, 1st).
But the Italians did not lower their heads and equalized ten minutes later thanks to a header from Bastoni, served at the far post by Lorenzo Pellegrini on a corner played at two players (1-1, 11th). In the process, Nicolo Barella put the Nazionale in the lead with a first-intention strike from the edge of the area.
A logical punishment for the Albanians regrouped but unable to free themselves against the Italian waves, and kept in the match by the exploits of Thomas Strakosha. The former Lazio Rome goalkeeper deflected a dive ball from Davide Frattesi (33rd) onto his left post, then repelled an attempt from Gianluca Scamacca (40th).
In a much calmer second half, Luciano Spalletti’s players played their football, offering some interesting sequences of possession. A relative mastery however since Rey Manaj almost punished a final relaxation, with a lob deflected from the chest by Donnarumma (90th). However, the essentials are assured before challenging Spain (Thursday, at 9 p.m.), who defeated Croatia (3-0), a little earlier this Saturday.
The player: Barella has multiplied
Less successful in front of goal this season with Inter Milan (2 goals compared to 9 last year), Nicolo Barella did not miss his target on his only opportunity of the match. The 27-year-old midfielder’s right-footed half-volley gave Italy a decisive advantage.
Once again, Barella was in the right place at the right time, alone at the edge of the area, to place this shot with first intention. A goal which punctuates a very successful performance, where the Sardinian multiplied his efforts and shone with the ball (105 successful passes out of 108 attempted).
