Holders Italy conceded the fastest goal in European Championship history but recovered to secure a narrow 2-1 win over Albania in their Group B opener in Dortmund.
With the win, Italy took second place in Group B behind leaders Spain on goal difference. Albania is third with Croatia at the bottom after the first matches in the group.
Next up, Albania take on Croatia on Wednesday afternoon, while Spain play Italy on Thursday.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Nicolo Barella (Italy). The Inter Milan midfielder pulled the strings at the heart of the team and showed just how important his fitness is to their hopes. He capped off a great performance with a wonderful goal and barely made a mistake.
PLAYER RATINGS
ITALY: Donnarumma 7, Di Lorenzo 8, Calafiori 7, Bastoni 8, Dimarco 7, Barella 9, Jorginho 7, Fratesi 8, Pellegrini 8, Chiesa 8, Scamaka 7. Subs: Cambiazzo 6, Cristante 6, Retegian, n/a, Folorunsho n/a.
ALBANIA: Strakoša 8, Hisaj 7, Ajeti 7, Đimšiti 7, Mitaj 7, Aslani 7, Ramadani 7, Bajrami 8, Asani 7, Broja 7, Seferi 7. Substitutions: Laci 6, Hoxha 6, Manaj 6, Muci n/a .
Match transfer and commentary
THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE MATCH
01′ – GOAL! – Italy 0-1 Albania: (Bajrami) What. A. Start! Nedim Bajrami latched on to Federico Dimarco’s mistake and fired beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma at his near post.
11′ – GOAL! – Italy 1-1 Albania: (Bastoni) Alessandro Bastoni was left unmarked to nod in at the far post after a short corner from the left caught Albania.
16′ – GOAL! – Italy 2-1 Albania: (Barella) Niccolo Barella curls a great first time shot from 20 yards with the outside of his foot into the corner after Albania failed to clear their line.
33′ – CHANCE FOR ITALY! The Azzurri win the ball high up the pitch and Skamaca quickly finds Davide Fratesi, but Tomas Strakosa brilliantly puts his shot onto the post.
90′ – ALBANIA’S CHANCE! Substitute Ray Manaj latches on to a brilliant, diagonal ball on the right of the box but can’t get a cut finish when Gianluigi Donnarumma gets just a touch and deflects it wide.