By William Hill News Editorial Team
June 16, 2024
Winning debut forItaly of Spalletti at Euro 2024: in Dortmund the Azzurri comeback to beat 2-1Albania in the first match of Group B. The match began disastrously with an error from a throw-in by Dimarco who surprised Bastoni and gave Bajrami the opening goal after just 23 seconds of play: it is the fastest goal in a European Championship match. The Azzurri’s reaction, however, was vehement and already in the 16th minute the score was overturned: first Sticks on the development of a corner (11′) then Stretcher from outside the area (16′) they give the three points to Spalletti.
The national team can complain about having scored only two goals in a first half dominated far and wide, filled with changes of play, insertions and one-on-ones as well as opportunities. The Frattesi pole served in depth by Scamacca was also thanks to Strakosha’s reflex, while Scamacca and Pellegrini with a little more coolness from close range they could have closed the contest before the break. In the second half, Italy controlled the operations, but without the brilliance and speed of the first half, making the defensive phase easier for Sylvinho’s national team, who were never really in difficulty except for a shot from the edge by Chiesa. The Azzurri then risk a mockery in the last minute: the equalizing ball lands at the feet of Manajhaving escaped Calafiori until that perfect moment, the Albanian striker directs it perfectly to the far post with a dig, but finds the slight – but absolutely decisive – deflection with Donnarumma’s side, which thus saves the result.
In the other match of the group the Spain surpasses 3-0 the Croatia. Everything was easy for De La Fuente’s team who closed the game in the first half: Morata unlocked, then Fabian Ruiz doubled the lead three minutes later and, in injury time, Carvajal scored 3-0. In the final penalty missed by Petkovic. The next match for Italy will be against Spain on Thursday 20 June at 9pm.
The scoreboard of Italy-Albania 2-1
ITALY (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco (37′ st Darmian); Jorginho, Barella (47′ st Folorunsho); Frattesi, Pellegrini (32′ st Cristante), Chiesa (32′ st Cambiaso); Scamacca (37′ st Retegui). Available: Vicario, Meret, Buongiorno, Gatti, Raspadori, Bellanova, Mancini, Zaccagni, Fagioli, El Shaarawy. Coach: Spalletti.
ALBANIA (4-3-3): Strakosha; Hysaj, Djimsiti, Ajeti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani, Bajrami (42′ st Maçi); Asani (23′ st Hoxha), Broja (31′ st Manaj), Seferi (23′ st Laçi). Available: E. Berisha, Kastrati, Balliu, Gjasula, Mihaj, M. Berisha, Ismajli, Daku, Abrashi, Kumbulla, Aliji. Coach: Sylvinho.
Referee: Zwayer (Germany)
Scorers: 1′ Bajrami (A), 11′ Bastoni (I), 16′ Stretcher (I)
Booked: Pellegrini, Calafiori (I); Broja, Hoxha (A)
