Italy opened their Euro 2024 title defence with victory after overcoming a record-breaking early strike from Albania to triumph with a 2-1 comeback win at Signal Iduna Park.
The reigning European champions were shocked early on when Nedim Bajrami hammered home after just 23 seconds for the fastest goal in European Championship history.
Alessandro Bastoni soon levelled with a routine header, however, before Nicolo Barella’s fizzing finish muted Albania’s short-lived celebrations in their first Group B encounter.
The Azzurri, champions just three years ago at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, never appeared troubled after the interval as Italy moved level on points with Spain, who hammered Croatia 3-0 earlier on Saturday.
Backed by thousands of Albanian supporters in Dortmund, Bajrami stunned the defending champions with his record-breaking strike after less than 30 seconds of action.
1 – Nedim Bajrami’s goal after 23 seconds for Albania against Italy is the fastest goal ever scored at the UEFA European Championship finals. Lightning.#EURo2024 #ITAALB pic.twitter.com/RZLXWrwpy7
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) June 15, 2024
A sloppy Federico Dimarco throw-in proved Italy’s undoing as Bajrami powered into the area
