ITALY SHRUG OFF EARLY SHOCK TO EDGE OUT ALBANIA IN GROUP B OPENER
Holders Italy conceded the fastest goal in European Championship history but recovered to secure a narrow 2-1 victory over Albania in their Group B opener in Dortmund.
Sylvinho’s Balkan minnows sent shockwaves through the tournament inside 23 seconds when Nedim Bajrami capitalised upon an error to fire home at the near post.
The Azzurri responded through Alessandro Bastoni’s header before Nicolo Barella’s wonderful first-time strike turned it around with just 16 minutes on the clock.
Brentford shot-stopper Thomas Strakosha then tipped Davide Frattesi’s dink on to the post and was alert to keep out Gianluca Scamacca as Luciano Spalletti’s men pushed for the third.
Italy continued to dominate following the interval but could not add to their margin of victory and were almost made to pay in stoppage time when substitute Rey Manaj clipped just wide.
The win sees Italy assume second spot in Group B behind leaders Spain on goal difference. Albania are third with Croatia bottom after the first fixtures in the pool.
Next up, Albania meet Croatia on Wednesday afternoon while Spain face Italy on Thursday.Â
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