Italy vs. Albania final score, result as Italians claim nervy win despite conceding fastest goal in Euro history

Punched in the mouth just seconds into their Euro title defense, Italy recovered to produce a strong and gritty performance, topping Albania 2-1 in their 2024 Group B opener.

Just 23 seconds into the match, Nedim Bajrani scored the quickest goal in European Championship history, shocking the Italians and, in theory, giving his side an early burst of energy. Yet, it only served to jolt the defending champions to life, and Italy needed just 15 minutes to turn the game on its head and go from behind to in front.

Alessandro Bastoni picked out a header at the back post off a corner to draw level, and then Nicolo Barella blasted a wonderful go-ahead strike minutes later to take the lead.

From there, Italy snuffed the life out of the game, as Jorginho and the rest of the midfield wrestled control of the match throughout, while Federico Chiesa cooked on the other end in search of a third. The strategy worked to great effect, limiting Albania to no shots on target for the rest of the way.

Yet, it did not come without its nervy moments for the Azzurri, especially down the stretch as Albania came a razor's edge from snatching a last-gasp equalizer, with Rey Manaj's stoppage-time effort flashing agonizingly wide. In the end, Italy walked away with the three points to go level with Spain at the top of the Group B standings, while Croatia and Albania are left to pick up the pieces going forward.

Italy vs. Albania final score

Location: Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund, Germany)
Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER)

Starting lineups:

Italy (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Donnarumma (GK) — 2. Di Lorenzo, 5. Calafiori, 23. Bastoni, 3. Dimarco (Darmian, 83') — 18. Barella (Folorunsho, 90'), 8. Jorginho — 14. Chiesa (Cristante, 77'), 7. Frattesi, 10. Pellegrini (Cambiaso, 77') — 9. Scamacca (Retegui, 83').

Albania (4-3-3, right to left): 23. Strakosha (GK) — 4. Hysaj, 5. Ajeti, 6. Djimsiti, 3. Mitaj — 21. Asllani, 20. Ramadani, 10. Bajrami (Muci, 87') — 9. Asani (Hoxha, 68'), 11. Broja (Manaj, 77'), 15. Seferi (Laci, 68').

MORE: Euro 2024 schedule and results, updated LIVE | Who will win Euro 2024? Latest odds and predictions | How to watch all the Euro 2024 action 

Euro 2024 Group B standings

Italy vs. Albania stats

Italy vs. Albania live updates, highlights from Euro 2024

FULLTIME: Italy 2-1 Albania

A wonderful game from front to back, Italy hold firm to secure a nervy 2-1 win over Albania to pick up a massive three points early in the Euro 2024 group stage.

The early gut-punch only served to energize the defending champions, needing just 15 minutes to go from behind to ahead. From that point on, they looked to snuff the life out of the match, which they did to great effect, but Albania remained in the game the whole way through, nearly snatching a last-gasp draw at the death, but they were ultimately turned away.

Both sides can take positives from the match, but Italy are the only ones to come away with any points to show for it.

Italy vs. Albania: Second Half

90+1 min: With just four minutes of stoppage time shown, there's a pitch invader who is dealt with by the stadium stewards. Italy make a final substitution, as Michael Folorunsho will enter to replace Nicolo Barella. That change officially cap-ties Folorunsho, who until this moment was eligible to play for Nigeria as well.

90th min: Chance, Albania! THE ITALIANS NEARLY COUGH UP THE LEAD IN THE FINAL MINUTE! A long ball for substitute Rey Manaj sees Riccardo Calafiori left in the dust, but Gianluigi Donnarumma comes off his line to get a nick on the shot and see it deflect slightly wide!

A strong save by Donnarumma but a real wobble by Italy down the stretch! So close for Albania!

HIGHLIGHT: Watch in USA | Canada | United Kingdom

89th min: Even though Italy have dominated almost the entire way through, the one-goal margin has this game on a knife edge. Every time an Italian loses the ball, the Albanian fans roar to life urging their team forward. The latest time, however, it's played backwards without the necessary sense of urgency with very little time remaining.

87th min: Albania withdraw their record goal scorer Nedim Bajrami, who gets a rousing hand from the numerous Albania fans in attendance. He's replaced by Ernest Muci, a 23-year-old with Turkish side Besiktas.

82nd min: Both teams are starting to tire, which is taking the sting out of the game a bit. Each team gets forward on a messy counter but sees the opposing goalkeeper come off his line to snuff out the chance.

Italy make another two changes, as Gianluca Scamacca comes off after a solid yet empty performance, replaced by Mateo Retegui, while Matteo Darmian also enters for Federico Dimarco, another strong performer. This game is very much still in the balance...

74th min: Arber Hoxha is booked just five minutes after coming off the bench for a needless and late foul on Davide Frattesi. Silly and deserved.

Shortly afterwards, Albania head coach Sylvinho changes strikers, withdrawing a battered Armando Broja and bringing on Rey Manaj. Italy respond with the introductions of Andrea Cambiaso and Bryan Cristante to replace Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Chiesa didn't look too comfortable as he came off, and as an injury-prone player in recent years, there will be some concerns about him after a wonderful performance.

69th min: Albania make the game's first changes, as Qazim Laci and Arber Hoxha enter to replace Taulant Seferi and Jasir Asani. The substitutes make an immediate impact, too, winning a corner which gets the numerous Albania fans back to full voice, but Gianluigi Donnarumma does very well to awkwardly get a punch to the ball amidst a crowded penalty area.

64th min: Italy have picked up right where they left off at halftime, and are in full control of this game. They come close to creating yet another chance, but Nicolo Barella's chip over the top for Davide Frattesi is the slightest bit overcooked and falls just out of reach.

60th min: CHANCE, ITLAY! Federico Chiesa nearly scores a stunning individual goal, first cooking Mario Mitaj before cutting inside and unleashing a left-footed curler. It doesn't miss by much, curling just wide of the far post with the Albanian goalkeeper left to watch it flash by his frame!

HIGHLIGHT: Watch in USA

56th min: Davide Frattesi is in on goal after a lovely flick from Federico Dimarco, but Thomas Strakosha makes a lovely save before the offside flag goes up to indicate it wouldn't have counted anyway.

51st min: There's concern for Italy as Riccardo Calafiori produces a physical challenge on Armando Broja off the ball, but the German referee produces only a yellow card to the defender, who then nervously survives a VAR check for a possible red card. In the aftermath, Broja is also booked for his dissent, arguing that it should be a sending-off.

The foul also gives Albania a free-kick in a dangerous spot outside the penalty area, but the delivery is blasted into the Italian wall.

Kickoff: They're back under way in Dortmund for the final 45 minutes with no changes for either side. Surely Italy will be more focused to begin this half than they were to start the match, no?

HALFTIME: Italy 2-1 Albania

Albania grabbed a bit of European Championship history with the fastest-ever goal in Euro history 23 seconds into the match, but Italy responded with ferocity to show why they are defending champions.

Ever since that shocking opener, Italy have been far and away the better team, dominating the match and peppering the goal of Thomas Strakosha. Still, they're only leading by a goal, and as the early strike from Nedim Bajrami showed, anything can and probably will happen.

Italy will be desperate to score a third goal and give themselves some breathing room. If this goes much longer as just a one-goal margin, Albania may find themselves feeling confident in pushing forward to get a surprise late result.

Italy vs. Albania: First Half

44th min: Albania have their first look on goal since the record-setting opener, but it's from a long way out, and fired well high and wide by Jasir Asani.

40th min: Gianluca Scamacca has forced another save from Thomas Strakosha, but it's an elementary one in the end, as he closes down the shot from a very tight angle down the right near the end line. Strong goalkeeping, but another indication that Italy have taken full control of this match.

HIGHLIGHT: Watch in USA | Canada

34th min: ITALY CHANCE! The Italians are looking for a third but hit the woodwork! A brilliant vertical feed from Gianluca Scamacca unlocks the Albania back line and feeds Davide Frattesi in, but he hits the near post with his shot and sees it cannon back out!

On replay, it appears Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha got a touch to the ball, pushing it off the post. What a wonderful stop!

HIGHLIGHT: Watch in USA | Canada

31st min: The Italian front line is really cooking now. Federico Chiesa is blatantly fouled by an Albanian defender but somehow manages to keep on his feet and slip by it, feeding a cross to Lorenzo Pellegrini at the far post, who attempts a spectacular bicycle kick but doesn't quite get the contact right.

It's shocking that Taulant Seferi wasn't booked after the fact for his "challenge" on Chiesa, where he slides to the ground before literally grabbing Chiesa's leg with his arms, yet still comes up empty. Credit to Chiesa for remaining on his feet and continuing to play!

26th min: Albania have been smothered for most of the game since their record-setting opener, but they are now seeing more of the ball since Italy went in front. Most of their joy has come down the left initially, but their latest attack sees it rotated around to the right, progressing all the way up to the opposite end line before it's stolen back by the defending champions.

21st min: The first yellow card of the match is shown to Lorenzo Pellegrini who has no choice but to scythe down Armando Broja to prevent an Albania counter-attack. He professionally absorbs the booking to keep that move from resulting in anything more dangerous.

16th min: GOAL! ITALY! Nicolo Barella bags a beauty and Italy have turned around the early deficit in just 16 minutes! He's been given a gift as an off-balance Federico Dimarco manages to get his foot to the ball and poke it backwards to Barella, who WHACKS it with a mighty blast, leg whipping the ball into the top-left corner with fury!

What a stunning goal! Italy lead, and are in full force!

HIGHLIGHT: Watch in USA | Canada | United Kingdom | Australia

11th min: GOAL! ITALY! There's the equalizer! It's Alessandro Bastoni to head in at the far post off a short corner! They've recovered quickly from the 23-second hammer blow!

Lorenzo Pellegrini swings the ball in with his left after being played from a corner, and Bastoni makes a late run to get free right on the doorstep, with the ball put on a platter and headed home well. A high-quality response from Italy.

HIGHLIGHT: Watch in USA | Canada

9th min: This match has been quite lively since the quickfire opener, with both sides looking to get shots off, but nobody has come close to scoring again yet. Italy don't appear to have been shell-shocked by the early gut-punch, but they'll be wanting to get back level soon to keep Albania from bunkering in and making things difficult.

Federico Dimarco wins a corner for the Italians, who are pushing hard.

1st min: GOAL! ALBANIA! THE UNDERDOGS HAVE GONE IN FRONT JUST SECONDS AFTER KICKOFF, IT'S DISASTER FOR ITALY! Nedim Bajrami of Albania has scored the fastest goal in European Championship history!!

It comes off a truly horrific throw-in for Italy, as Federico Dimarco throws it right to Bajrami, who steals it and then clobbers the ball into the top-right corner of the net from a tight angle! What a baffling error by the defending champions as Albania score just 23 seconds in!

HIGHLIGHT: Watch in USA | Canada | United Kingdom | Australia

24 - Nedim Bajrami 🇦🇱 was involved in more shot-ending sequences of play than any other Albania player in EURO 2024 qualifying (24), while no player created more chances (7) or completed more dribbles (15) for Sylvinho's side. Catalyst. #OnesToWatch #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/stkKZMzmzK

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 5, 2024

Kickoff: They're under way in Germany at the famous home venue of Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund! Albania will have a big crowd advantage, a "red wall" instead of the usual yellow wall. German fans will be interested to see how their hometown official does as German referee Felix Zwayer takes charge of his first Euro 2024 match.

Italy vs. Albania: Pre-match commentary, analysis, more

15 mins to kickoff: Albania are up against a buzzsaw in this group, drawn against a daunting trio of Spain, Croatia, and Italy. Still, their Brazilian manager Sylvinho is battle tested, both as a player and a coach, and he knows he'll have somewhat of a home field advantage in this competition.

"We have a great responsibility to these wonderful fans who come here to support us. Tomorrow the stadium will be black and red." ⚫🔴

Sylvinho pic.twitter.com/eEV8ttxxe7

— Albanian Football Scout 🇦🇱 (@FootballAlbXI) June 14, 2024

30 mins to kickoff: We mentioned earlier that it was a surprise to see Riccardo Calafiori start this match for Italy. Well, at 22 years old he's the second-youngest defender to ever start a Euro match for the Azzurri, who have been used to deploying veterans at the back. The only player younger than Calafiori to start a Euro match was the great Paolo Maldini, so he has big shoes to fill!

Interestingly, the third player on that list is none other than Alessandro Bastoni, who is Calafiori's center-back partner today in the Italy XI.

2 - Riccardo #Calafiori (22 years and 27 days) is the second youngest Italy’s 🇮🇹 defender to play a match in European Championships history, after Paolo Maldini (19 years and 350 days, on 10th June 1988 against Germany). Impulse.#EURo2024 #ITAALB #ItaliaAlbania pic.twitter.com/2kKWNHW1iS

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) June 15, 2024

45 mins to kickoff: In the other Group B match, Spain clobbered Croatia 3-0, but the biggest talking point was a penalty situation late in the second half which could have a great effect on the group standings in the end. Croatia won a penalty on a foul by Rodri, but it appeared as if the Spain midfielder didn't even touch his opponent, and it could be wiped away by VAR.

However, when that didn't happen, there was another question — if Rodri's foul stood, why wasn't he sent off? It was a last-man foul, and he surely didn't come close to playing the ball, so shouldn't it be a red? Well that didn't happen either, and the English officiating crew stuck with the initial yellow card from Michael Oliver. THEN, when the penalty was saved by Dominik Livakovic but put in on the rebound, the goal was disallowed for interference in an offside position.

So, what does that have to do with this match? Well, Italy play Spain next, a match in which Rodri would have been suspended for had he been sent off. Additionally, goal differential could be massively important for third-place qualifiers, so Croatia failing to convert could also be decisive.

Watch the incident in the USA:

A penalty was given for this challenge in the box by Spain

Was it the right call? pic.twitter.com/fpmQdJSkZX

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2024

1 hour to kickoff: Lineups are in, and there are a few surprises for Italy. Luciano Spaletti has deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation with 22-year-old Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori at center-back for just his third international cap, leaving Roma's Gianluca Mancini on the bench.

For Albania, Etrit Berisha and his 81 caps have been left on the bench with Brentford goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha preferred in net. Chelsea youngster Armando Broja, who spent last year on loan at Fulham, starts at the striker position, hoping to improve on his five international goals in 21 caps.

1 hour 15 mins to kick: Thanks to their back-to-back World Cup qualifying failures, many have forgotten that Italy are defending champions of this competition. Only one nation has ever won consecutive Euros, when Spain did so in 2008 and 2012. Could Italy be the second-ever nation to defend a Euro title?

1 hour 30 mins to kick: All eyes will be on Gianluca Scamacca up front for Italy. With Ciro Immobile left off the squad, it will be up to the Europa League winner to lead them up front. He'll have teammates hot on his heels for that No. 9 job, so he will need to deliver early and often.

🇮🇹 Scamacca sweeping in 🧹#UEL pic.twitter.com/4CDwtdEHUr

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) June 15, 2024

1 hour 45 mins to kick: Albania may be one of the minnows at Euro 2024, but there are many reasons not to underestimate them. One being the numbers in which their fans have shown up in Germany!

The Albania fans have arrived in FORCE in Dortmund ahead of their clash with Italy! 🇦🇱 🔥 #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/P18cuMTIfz

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 15, 2024

2 hours before kickoff: Italy's squad has looked sapped of its usual star power for some time now, and the lack of world-class talent in this storied football nation has been a big concern for Azzurri fans. The biggest name in Italian football now is Marco Verratti, and he was left off the list to make the Euros squad after a move to Saudi Arabia.

Head coach Luciano Spalletti has played into this notion, hoping to speak some confidence into his squad despite the lack of star power, saying they need to prove to the Italian public that they are, indeed, of the level of legends.

"We are playing a starring role when it comes to any Italian that tucks a ball under their arm after school and went out to play football before going home at night with their face tired, their shirt dripping in sweat, and their knees grazed," Spalletti said. "We are the dream for all of those individuals. We need to go out there and show them we're at the level they believe we are at. Giants and heroes have no fear of going out there and trying to get a result in a football match."

On this day in 2016: the start of the Antonio Conte masterclass at Euro 2016 🔝

Opening match: a 2-0 win against Belgium’s golden generation ✅🇮🇹
pic.twitter.com/TnX1knWYM2

— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) June 13, 2024

Italy vs. Albania kickoff time

This Euro 2024 match kicks off from Borussia Dortmund's home stadium on June 15 at 9:00 p.m. local time in Dortmund. Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories around the globe:

Italy vs. Albania lineups, team news, starting 11

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti is without some key players for Euro 2024. Francesco Acerbi, Giorgio Scalvini, Nicolo Zaniolo, Domenico Berardi, and Destiny Udogie are all sidelined through injury. Midfielder Sandro Tonali is suspended due to betting offences.

On the flip side, Davide Frattesi, Nicolo Fagioli, and Nicolo Barella are expected to play despite minor injuries. Barella, the key playmaker, created more chances and assists than any other Italy player in qualifying.

Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to start in goal despite a mixed season with Paris Saint-Germain. The main decision up front is between Atalana's Europa League-winning striker Gianluca Scamacca and Genoa's Mateo Retegui, with Scamaca expected to get the nod.

Italy starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma (GK) — Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco — Barella, Jorginho — Chiesa, Frattesi, Pellegrini — Scamacca.

Italy subs (9): (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)

There are a few notable Italian links in Sylvinho's Albania squad. Atalanta defender Berat Djimsiti will captain the team. Playmaker Kristjan Asllani, fresh off a Scudetto win with Inter Milan, is ready to shine.

Nedim Bajrami and Marash Kumbulla, who faced relegation with Sassuolo, are also in the squad. Chelsea youngster Armando Broja, who has recently recovered from an ACL tear and spent this past season amidst an injury-filled loan spell with Fulham, will lead the attack after Sokol Cikalleshi’s retirement.

Albania starting lineup (4-3-3): Strakosha (GK) — Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj — Asllani, Ramadani, Bajrami — Asani, Broja, Seferi.

Albania subs (9): (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)

How to watch Italy vs. Albania

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WATCH LIVE

USA: Italy vs. Albania will be televised in the United States on the Fox Sports Network, with Spanish-language streaming via ViX. The game is also available to stream on Fubo which is currently offering a FREE seven-day trial.

Radio coverage of the match can be followed on SiriusXM FC.

UK: This Euro 2024 match will be broadcast in the UK on ITV1 with fans in Scotland able to watch on STV. Streaming can be found on ITVX and the STV Player.

Canada: Euro 2024 matches can be seen in Canada on TSN's respective TV channel and live streaming services. TVA and CTV will also be showing the match.

Australia: Australia's sole broadcaster for Euro 2024 is Optus Sport. 

India: Euro 2024 matches are available to stream on JioTV and Sony LIV and Italy vs. Albania can also be viewed on Sony Ten Network on TV. 

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