Italy, the reigning European champions, experienced a dramatic start to their Euro 2024 campaign against Albania, conceding the fastest goal in the tournament’s history. However, the Azzurri demonstrated their resilience, quickly overturning the deficit to secure a 2-1 victory in Dortmund. This match, filled with talking points, showcased both Italian fortitude and Albanian spirit, providing a compelling narrative for fans tracking Euros Scores.
Nedim Bajrami’s stunning strike just 23 seconds into the game sent shockwaves through the Italian ranks and the stadium. Capitalizing on a defensive error, Bajrami etched his name into Euro history with the record-breaking goal. Yet, Italy’s response was immediate and decisive. Alessandro Bastoni leveled the score with a well-placed header in the 11th minute, followed swiftly by Nicolo Barella’s powerful drive five minutes later, putting Italy ahead.
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Barella, who had been a fitness concern leading up to the tournament, delivered a masterclass performance. His energy and quality in midfield were instrumental in Italy’s recovery and control of the game. Despite Italy’s dominance for large stretches, Albania remained a threat, and it took a spectacular save from Gianluigi Donnarumma in the dying moments to prevent a Rey Manaj equalizer, ensuring Italy started their Euro 2024 journey with a win. While questions remain about Italy’s overall strength compared to their championship-winning side, their performance against Albania proved they are still a force to be reckoned with in this tournament.
The Athletic’s James Horncastle and Nancy Froston dissect the key moments and tactical nuances from this captivating encounter in Dortmund, offering deeper insights into the euros scores and match dynamics.
Albania’s Record-Breaking Euros Score: A Lightning Strike
Albania’s place in European Championship annals is now firmly cemented thanks to Bajrami’s record-setting goal, a moment of brilliance born from quick thinking and Italian defensive lapses. Federico Dimarco’s errant throw-in proved costly, falling directly into the path of Bajrami lurking just outside the penalty area.
Nedim Bajrami Fastest Euro Goal Initial Phase
Image: Initial phase of Nedim Bajrami’s record-breaking goal for Albania against Italy in Euro 2024, highlighting Dimarco’s misplaced throw-in.
Even with recovering defenders, Bajrami, who plays his club football in Serie A for Sassuolo, still had work to do. With exceptional agility, he executed a sharp drop of the shoulder, creating crucial separation from the closing defender Bastoni.
Bajrami Goal Shoulder Drop Against Bastoni
Image: Nedim Bajrami’s skillful shoulder drop maneuver to evade Alessandro Bastoni before unleashing his record-breaking goal, showcasing individual brilliance.
This clever move opened up the space needed to unleash a powerful, rising shot that soared past Donnarumma at the near post and into the net.
Bajrami Goal Thumping Shot Past Donnarumma
Image: The moment Nedim Bajrami’s thunderous strike beats Gianluigi Donnarumma at the near post, securing the fastest goal in Euro Championship history and sending Albanian fans into raptures.
The Albanian supporters erupted in jubilation. Few anticipated such a start from a team ranked 66th globally and the second-lowest ranked in the tournament. However, Sylvinho’s squad demonstrated they were prepared to compete from the opening whistle, even though the euros scores ultimately favored Italy.
Nancy Froston
Nicolo Barella: Italy’s Indispensable Midfield Maestro – Key to Euros Scores
Considering the pre-tournament concerns surrounding Nicolo Barella’s fitness, his performance was all the more remarkable. A significant thigh strain had cast doubt over his Euro 2024 participation, with speculations suggesting Italy might have to replace him in the squad.
Despite leaving Giacomo Bonaventura, whom Spalletti likened to “our Jude Bellingham,” at home, the coach clearly understood Barella’s irreplaceable value. Barella, a linchpin of Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, proved his importance once again.
Having missed the warm-up matches against Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barella returned to full training just before the Albania game, silencing any doubts about his fitness and showcasing why he is considered one of the world’s premier all-action midfielders.
The 27-year-old midfielder has a known penchant for powerful strikes, and his goal against Albania was among his finest for Italy. He connected with the ball first time with minimal back-lift, sending a rocket past the Albanian goalkeeper and altering the euros scores in Italy’s favor.
What is happening?! 😅
ANOTHER goal as Italy take the lead #BBCEuros #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/jCuLu0Y2cq
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 15, 2024
Much discussion has revolved around Italy’s perceived lack of a prolific goalscorer. Interestingly, Barella is now the leading scorer in the current Italy squad, further emphasizing his importance beyond midfield dynamism. His goal against Albania was his 10th for his nation, highlighting his crucial contributions to Italy’s euros scores and overall performance.
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James Horncastle
Gianluca Scamacca: Searching for Goals in Euros Campaign
Regarding Italy’s quest for goals, Luciano Spalletti’s decision to start Gianluca Scamacca upfront was widely supported. Scamacca’s impressive form for Atalanta since March had overshadowed Mateo Retegui’s earlier impact for Italy, making him the preferred choice.
Spalletti himself lauded Scamacca as a “complete player” possessing “everything” on the eve of the Albania match. The 25-year-old striker showcased his diverse skillset throughout the game. He attempted an audacious bicycle kick and unleashed a powerful shot that nearly propelled an Albanian defender into the stadium’s famous Yellow Wall. He also had a clear opportunity to score when Lorenzo Pellegrini headed the ball into his path near the post.
However, Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha denied Scamacca with a fine save. Berat Djimsiti, Scamacca’s Atalanta teammate and Albania’s captain, likely had intimate knowledge of Scamacca’s playing style and tendencies, contributing to his effectiveness in containing the Italian forward.
Gianluca Scamacca Build Up Play vs Albania
Image: Gianluca Scamacca demonstrating his impressive build-up play for Italy against Albania during their Euro 2024 match, highlighting his all-around contribution beyond scoring. (Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images)
Critics point to Scamacca’s single senior international goal, scored against England last autumn, as evidence of his lack of scoring prowess at the highest level. Yet, his ability to hold the ball up, turn, and link play with teammates like Davide Frattesi provides Italy with a valuable attacking dimension, a tactic they are likely to rely on throughout the Euros despite the current euros scores reflecting only two goals in this match.
James Horncastle
Thomas Strakosha: Albania’s Standout Goalkeeper Despite Euros Scores
After Albania’s electrifying start, Italy gradually asserted control, dominating possession as anticipated. Sylvinho’s team spent much of the game defending, with goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha proving crucial in limiting Italy to just two goals. While Bastoni and Barella managed to breach the Brentford goalkeeper’s defenses, Strakosha’s numerous important saves should solidify his starting position for Albania’s upcoming group matches.
Thomas Strakosha Denies Frattesi Goal
Image: Thomas Strakosha making a brilliant save to deny Davide Frattesi, showcasing his goalkeeping prowess for Albania against Italy in their Euro 2024 encounter. (Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images)
Strakosha and veteran Etrit Berisha had shared goalkeeping duties during qualifying, making six and five appearances respectively. Albania’s defense was a strong suit in qualifying, conceding only four goals. Strakosha’s first-half save against Frattesi, tipping a goal-bound shot onto the post, was a highlight in a match where he was consistently tested, proving his worth despite the final euros scores.
Nancy Froston
Luciano Spalletti’s Post-Match Analysis: Italy’s Path Forward in Euros
“There were a lot of good things,” Italy coach Luciano Spalletti told RAI post-match. “Particularly in the first half, but they have to lead somewhere. They can’t be an end in themselves. There were opportunities to go and do damage on several occasions. We didn’t go about finishing moves as fast as we could. Often we turned around and went back again to see if we’d carved out the space to finish the move.”
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Spalletti downplayed the notion of Italy’s over-reliance on Barella, stating, “A national team can’t go without anyone. We have 26 very good players so that’s the wrong way to look at it.”
“Ever since I started coaching, I’ve been told what matters is winning. No, what matters is playing well. In order for us to strive to win EURO 2024 we have to play good football. We were a bit deep in the first half, and it allowed Albania to use their physicality, to get it into the mixer. We have to keep faith in our style – that’s the route forward.”
“[Spain] will probably set up differently to Albania, and squeeze us more. We’ll need to move the ball more quickly than we did tonight. Against Spain we’ll need to move the ball forwards more, and look to play balls in behind the defence.”
Sylvinho’s Perspective: Albania’s Learning Curve at Euros
“We started the game well with an early goal. The team was so excited after the goal but we should have performed better, especially in the first half. In the second we managed better and we had chances to score through Manaj,” Albania coach Sylvinho reflected.
“We could have managed the game better but we must not forget that we were up against a very good team. Italy quickened the tempo. It was a very important match for both sides. They had to win the game because it is a very tough group. We weren’t able to resist.”
“It’s not easy, they’re a good side. Had we not conceded the second goal, it would have been a good match for us. We weren’t able to withstand their attacks and it was hard for 25 minutes.”
“I need to go out there and thank the Albanians, it was incredible, we said two days ago, the stadium would be red, so many proud Albanians outside to have a team at the Euros. It was a shame we couldn’t equalise in the last minutes.”
“Once you are used to playing these competitions, it’s easy. I’m used to playing in Champions League. As a player, I know what to expect to play against Real Madrid and Juventus. When you’re not used to it, you have no idea. Even people say it’s a high level tournament, but you have no idea, you didn’t play in this competition. It will not be easy.”
“Once you’ve played the first game, the players just block it. The first 10 or 15 minutes it was crazy for us. I believe when I saw the fans, it was amazing, beautiful.”
What’s Next for Italy?
Thursday, June 20: Spain (Gelsenkirchen), 8pm BST, 3pm ET
What’s Next for Albania?
Wednesday, June 19: Croatia (Hamburg), 2pm BST, 9am ET
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(Top photo: Barella celebrates his goal. Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
