June 15 – European champions Italy survived the fastest goal in finals history to defeat Albania 2-1 and get their title defence underway in style.
Three years ago, Italy conquered England and Europe at Wembley, but as continental champions their fortunes took a downturn – missing out on the World Cup in Qatar and losing manager Roberto Mancini to Saudi Arabia – and on Saturday calamity arrived early in the shape of Nedim Bajrami’s strike, the fastest goal in the history of the European Championship.
The Albanian exploited lax defending in the opponent’s box to dispatch a finish in the top corner in the 23rd second.
Dimitri Kirichenko had previously held the record for the fastest Euro goal after his 67th-second goal against Greece at Euro 2004. Bajrami’s strike was only Albania’s second at the continental finals and a reward for Albania’s supporters who, following in the footsteps of the Tartan Army, had taken over the host city for much of the day.
Inside the vast ground, the noise from the Albanians was deafening. They did reverse Poznans with fans bobbing up and down, and they exploded at the sight of Bajrami’s strike.
The supporters revelled in the dream start Albania had fashioned, but their joy was short-lived. Italy seized the initiative and sprayed the ball around. In the 11th minute, defender Alessandro Bastoni equalized with a header at the far post and Nicolò Barella restored the natural order with a beautiful first-time strike when Albania failed to clear their lines in the 16th minute.
For a moment, the European champions had been wobbling, but in the space of five minutes, they reversed their fortunes. It was a reflection of the gulf in class between the two teams, even if five of Albania’s starters plied their trade in Italy.
In the final third, Italy simply had too much quality and near the centre circle Jorginho was finding his rhythm.
Albania had little option but to sit deep and defend, keeping only striker Armando Broja in front of the ball. Italy kept moving the ball well and even when they slowed down Davide Fratessi’s little lift kissed the woodwork after Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha got a touch on it. Albania failed to develop any pressure on the ball and Gianluca Scamacca tested Strakosha again with a low drive.
This was supposed to be a weak Italian side, but instead, the Azzurri were crisp on the ball and cool in the execution of their ideas. Yet, in the second half, the Italy of old – in a more defensive mode – resurfaced to protect their lead and the three points.
Albania enjoyed more time on the ball but did too little with it. The reigning champions controlled the game, happy to leave the frantic pace of the first half behind them.
Italy were doing what they always do in archetypical style – holding on to a lead. They had calmed down the game in impeccable fashion. Yet, Albania were still in it.
Sylvinho rolled the dice: Arbër Hoxha, Qazim Laçi and Rey Manaj all came on, but to little avail. Italy remained steadfast but in the dying minutes of the match, Albania got one last opportunity to claim a point. From an acute angle, substitute Manaj let fly a stinging attempt, but the ball came off Gianluigi Donnarumma’s ribs.
On the touchline, Sylvinho could not quite believe it. His commendable Albania had been beaten by an opponent that combined talent and acumen to see out the match.
At the last European Championship, Italy opened the tournament with a 3-0 victory against Turkey and went on to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy.
The victory over Albania was hardly impressive, but Italy still demonstrated that they cannot be discounted. The Italians have a long history of excelling when no one expects it. The underdog role will suit Spalletti and his team just fine when they take on Spain next in a Group B blockbuster on Thursday.
Contact the writer of this story at samindra.kunti@insideworldfootball.com