Quickly led by Albania, the Italians were able to turn the situation around to win for their entry into Euro 2024 (2-1), this Saturday in Dortmund, thanks to goals from Bastoni and Barella. Discover the summary of the match.
23:12 – Match summary: Italy got scared
After Spain’s victory over Croatia earlier this Saturday (3-0), Italy knew that it had no room for error against Albania, the underdog of this group B. However, the Italians could not have imagined a worse start to the match since they conceded the fastest goal in the history of the Euro, signed by Bajrami after a huge error from Dimarco on a touch (0-1, 1st ). But instead of sinking, the Nazionale was able to respond in a hostile atmosphere as Albanian supporters had invaded the stands at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. It was first with a combination from a corner that Bastoni equalized (1-1, 11th) before his Inter teammate, Barella, gave the Italians the advantage with a beautiful half-volley (2- 1, 16th).
After an exciting first period, Italy fell asleep a little in the second period against a harmless team despite the late goal. Torn between the desire to score a third goal and the desire not to concede a goal, the Nazionale was content to manage but was scared at the end of the match, notably on Manaj’s strike (90th) , especially after a decline on the physical level. The victory remains important and Italy will face Spain next Thursday (9 p.m.) with the same number of points as La Roja. That was the most important thing tonight.
23:05 – A historic goal for Bajrami
Sassuolo player Nedim Bajrami made history this evening. The Albanian scored the fastest goal in the history of the Euro this evening against Italy, after just 23 seconds of play. The old record was held by the Russian Dimitri Kirichenko with a goal scored after 1 minute and 7 seconds against Greece in 2004.
23:00 – Italy joins Spain at the top of Group B
In Group B, Italy joins Spain at the top of the ranking after this narrow success against Albania (2-1). The Spaniards, who beat Croatia (3-0) earlier today, and the Italians will face each other next Thursday on the second day for a shock at the top.
22:55 – It’s over! Italy beats Albania (2-1)
It’s over in Dortmund! Italy wins against Albania (2-1) for its entry into the competition this Saturday. Bajrami scored in the first seconds for the Albanian selection before Bastoni (11th) and Barella (16th) turned the situation around.
22:51 – Italy: Barella replaced
Last change in favor of Italy. Nicolo Barella is replaced by Folorunsho for the last minutes of the match.
22:50 – Four minutes of added time
The German referee of the match grants four minutes of added time in this second half between Italy and Albania.
22:49 – The opportunity for Albania!
Italy is scared! On a long through ball, Manaj achieves superb control before hitting from a tight angle but Donnarumma diverts the ball just enough to prevent it from ending up in the back of the net…
22:46 – Albania: Scorer Bajrami replaced
The Albanian scorer of the evening, Bajrami, gives way to Muçi for the last minutes of this match against Italy. Albania must try everything at the end of the match!
22:42 – Italy: Dimarco and Scamacca replaced
Luciano Spalletti makes two changes again. Gianluca Scamacca and Federico Dimarco are replaced respectively by Mateo Retegui and Matteo Darmian.
22:40 – Nice cover from Bastoni
In the duel with Manaj on a through ball, Bastoni manages the shot well and manages to head back for Donnarumma, who catches the ball on the ground.
22:37 – Italy: Cristante and Cambiaso enter
Luciano Spalletti makes his first two changes at once. Pellegrini and Chiesa are replaced by Cristante and Cambiaso respectively.
22:35 – Albania: Broja gives up his place
The young Albanian striker Armando Broja, who belongs to Chelsea, gives way to Rey Manaj for the last quarter of an hour.
22:34 – Yellow card for Hoxha
Arber Hoxha, who came into play a few minutes ago, received a yellow card for hitting Frattesi in the back. Logical decision on the part of Mr. Zwayer.
22:32 – Italy seems to hesitate
Spalletti’s players really seem to be hesitant about what to do in these final minutes. Attack to score the 3rd goal or wait and manage this one-goal lead against an almost harmless team?
22:29 – Italy averts the danger
The Italians have to negotiate a corner against them for the first time in a long time but they do not tremble and the danger is over.
22:27 – Albania: Sylvinho makes two changes
Asani and Seferi are replaced respectively by Hoxha and Laçi for Albania. Sylvinho changed his two wingers with these substitutions.
22:25 – The Italians in no hurry to score the 3rd goal
The Italians are a little uncertain about how to act in this second period. They lead but are not safe, except that Albania hardly tries anything. The Nazionale would be well advised to score a third goal to be calmer.
22:22 – Still no change
The two coaches have not yet made any changes in this match, although we are in the 64th minute of play.
22:19 – Chiesa tries her luck!
Federico Chiesa continues to cause misery to the Albanian defense and steps back on his left foot from the right to roll in a powerful shot. The ball goes right next to the Albanian goal!
22:16 – Frattesi flagged offside
Still served in a very good position in the Albanian area, Frattesi fails to deceive Strakosha with the tip of his foot but he is flagged for offside anyway.
22:13 – Bastoni takes his place
After taking some time to recover off the field, Alessandro Bastoni returned to his place on the field and play resumed in Dortmund. The Albanians have more offensive intentions.
22:12 – Bastoni remains on the ground
Present in the Italian wall, Bastoni takes the ball right in the head on this powerful shot from Asllani. The Italian defender remains on the ground and struggles to recover.
22:11 – Broja receives a yellow card in turn
For having railed a little too much with the referee, Armando Broja also received a yellow card. But the free kick remains in favor of the Albanians.
22:10 – Yellow card for Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori receives a yellow card after a very muscular duel with Armando Broja and concedes a dangerous free kick in favor of Albania.
22:08 – Donnarumma little worried
The Italian captain, Gianluigi Donnarumma, has had nothing to do since the Albanian goal scored at the very start of the match. The PSG goalkeeper must remain focused despite the domination of his team.
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