Albania's players greet supporters after a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany. Italy won 2-1.
ITA Vs ALB, UEFA Euro 2024: Italy Recover From 23rd Second Goal From Albania To Win 2-1 - In Pics
Italy recovered from letting in the quickest goal in the tournament's 64-year history to beat Albania 2-1 in Dortmund on Saturday in an atmospheric Adriatic derby that immediately threatened an upset. Nedim Bajrami thrilled a heavily pro-Albanian crowd at Westfalenstadion by pouncing on a throw-in by Italy left back Federico Dimarco that failed to reach teammate Alessandro Bastoni, before taking a touch and smashing a rising shot inside the near post. Within 16 minutes, the Italians were ahead as Bastoni headed in Lorenzo Pellegrini's cross to the back post in the 11th then Nicolo Barella struck home a swerving first-time shot from the edge of the area.
UEFA Euro 2024: Italy vs Albania | Photo: AP/Frank Augstein
1/10
Alessandro Bastoni and Armando Broja fight for the ball | Photo: AP/Frank Augstein
Italy's Alessandro Bastoni, back, and Albania's Armando Broja fight for the ball during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany.
2/10
Taulant Seferi and Federico Chiesa compete for the ball | Photo: AP/Frank Augstein
Albania's Taulant Seferi, right, and Italy's Federico Chiesa compete for the ball during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany.
3/10
Nicolo Barella celebrates after scoring team's second goal | Photo: AP/Andreea Alexandru
Italy's Nicolo Barella celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany.
4/10
Armando Broja and Lorenzo Pellegrini fight for the ball | Photo: AP/Frank Augstein
Albania's Armando Broja, right, and Italy's Lorenzo Pellegrini fight for the ball during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany.
5/10
Alessandro Bastoni scores Italy's opening goal | Photo: AP/Martin Meissner
Italy's Alessandro Bastoni, left, scores his side's opening goal during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany.
6/10
Italy players celebrate team's goal against Albania | Photo: AP/Alessandra Tarantino
Italy's Alessandro Bastoni, center, celebrates with his teammate Lorenzo Pellegrini after scoring his side's opening goal during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany.
7/10
Federico Chiesa and Albania's Taulant Seferi | Photo: AP/Frank Augstein
Italy's Federico Chiesa, left, tries control the ball past Albania's Taulant Seferi during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany.
8/10
Jorginho reacts as he competes against Albania | Photo: AP/Frank Augstein
Italy's Jorginho, front, reacts as he competes for the ball during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany.
9/10
Nedim Bajrami scores opening goal against Italy | Photo: AP/Andreea Alexandru
Albania's Nedim Bajrami scores his side's opening goal during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany.
10/10
Nedim Bajrami celebrates after scoring a goal | Photo: AP/Alessandra Tarantino
Albania's Nedim Bajrami celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany.
