Good first match for Italy at Euro 2024. At the BVB Stadion in Dortmund the Azzurri beat Albania 2-1 in the debut match for both in group B of the European Football Championships (TODAY’S OTHER MATCHES). Three years after the triumph at Wembley, the Italian national team arrived at the event as reigning champions to try to defend the continental title (EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP: THE REPORT CARD – THE GROUPS AND THE CALENDAR).
The news of Italy-Albania (THE HIGHLIGHTS)
After 23 seconds Dimarco’s missed throw-in, Bajrami takes advantage of it in the penalty area and beats Donnarumma under the crossbar: it is the fastest goal in a European final phase in history. The Azzurri responded immediately with a shot by Scamacca from the center of the area, the ball out. Albania remains very low but in the 11th minute Italy equalizes: from the development of a corner taken from the left Pellegrini serves Bastoni who scores with a header. Five minutes later Spalletti’s team overturned it with a volley from outside the area by Barella. Albania takes refuge in the last thirty metres, Frattesi takes the post and comes close to making it 3-1. In the 40th minute Italy had an opportunity with Scamacca collecting Pellegrini’s header, Strakosha blocked it in the corner. Azzurri still dangerous with Pellegrini heading, ball out. In the second half there’s a chance for Italy: Chiesa tries with a left foot, the ball goes just wide, and Di Lorenzo, a shot deflected into a corner. Albania responds with an attempt by Aslani which ends up on the goal. Dimarco attempts a shot, Strakosha saves in two stages. In the 89th minute Manaj comes close to scoring the equaliser, saving Donnarumma. In injury time there were a few moments of interruption due to an invasion of the pitch by an Albanian fan.
The scoreboard of Italy-Albania 2-1
Goals: 1′ Bajrami (A), 11′ Bastoni (I), 16′ Barella (I)
ITALY (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco, Jorginho, Barella (47′ st Folorunsho), Chiesa (31′ st Cambiaso), Frattesi, Pellegrini (31′ st Cristante), Scamacca. Coach: Spalletti
ALBANIA (4-3-3): Strakosha, Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj, Asllani, Ramadani, Bajrami (42′ st Muci), Asani (23′ st Hoxha), Broja (31′ st Manaj), Seferi (23′ st Laci). Coach: Sylvinho
Ammonites: Pellegrini, Calafiori, Broja and Hoxha for foul play.
see also
Euro 2024, the calendar of Italy’s matches: where to watch them on TV
67 Italian fans arrested with knives and paper bombs
Shortly before the match, 67 Italian fans were placed under preventive detention. They were noticed not far from the stadium, while they covered their faces, and reported to their local colleagues by the Italian police ‘spotters’ sent to Germany precisely for their knowledge of the ultras and the “hottest” supporter circles. According to local media, the Italians were found in possession of knives, paper bombs and blunt objects. They could be put on trial straight away tomorrow. The Albania fans had gathered at the old market and in the pedestrian area of Kampstraße with the intention of heading towards the stadium about three kilometers away, the newspaper’s website specifies Bild. During the journey, around 50 “Italian hooligans tried to attack the Albanians, gathering about 200 meters away from the opposing fans at the Thier-Galerie”. There they were discovered by plainclothes officers who requested the intervention of colleagues in riot gear and a “large mobile van” to transport detainees and arrested people. An officer said the collision was “narrowly” avoided.
