Italy see off Albania after early scare

Italy recovered from conceding the fastest goal ever scored at a European Championship to defeat Albania 2-1 on Saturday, with Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella ensuring the defending champions started the tournament on a winning note.

Tens of thousands of raucous, red-shirted Albanian fans rocked the Dortmund BVB Stadion when Nedim Bajrami blasted home from an angle after 23 seconds, capitalising on defender Federico Dimarco's rash throw-in.

The goal broke the previous record set by Russia's Dmitri Kirichenko, who scored after 67 seconds against Greece in 2004.

Despite the setback, Italy held their nerve and equalised in the 11th minute when Bastoni headed home a short corner swung in to the far post by Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Five minutes later, Barella put the Azzurri ahead with a powerful shot from outside the box.

In the 34th minute, Davide Frattesi almost extended Italy's lead, but Albanian keeper Thomas Strakosha tipped his chipped shot onto the post.

Despite fielding a team stacked with Serie A players, Albania were left in the shadows for much of the game as Italy coach Luciano Spalletti's new-look side dominated with neat and quick passing, albeit without creating many chances.

Riccardo Calafiori, a central defender making only his third international appearance, impressed after taking the place of more experienced teammates who were injured.

Spalletti, who led Napoli to the Serie A title a year ago, took over the national team in September when Roberto Mancini controversially left to coach Saudi Arabia after leading Italy to victory at Euro 2020.

The tournament in Germany is an important step towards Italy's return to the World Cup after failing to qualify in 2018 and 2022.

Italy's victory was critical in the tournament's toughest group, and a more difficult test awaits them on Thursday when they face Spain, who easily defeated Croatia 3-0 in Berlin. Albania face Croatia on Wednesday in Group B.

SportsLigue