The Euro 2024 Group Stage clash between Italy and Albania, held at the BVB Stadion Dortmund on June 16th, 2024, delivered a captivating encounter that ended in a 2-1 victory for Italy. The drama began immediately as Albania stunned the defending champions with a goal in just the first minute. Nedim Bajrami took advantage of a defensive mistake to slot the ball past the goalkeeper, sending an early shockwave through the Italian camp.
Italy, however, showcased their composure and tactical strength. In the 11th minute, Alessandro Bastoni rose above the defense to equalize with a commanding header. The Italians continued pressing, and just five minutes later, Nicolò Barella’s precise strike put Italy ahead. This swift turnaround illustrated the Azzurri’s resilience and ability to regroup quickly, neutralizing Albania’s early advantage and seizing control of the match.
During the second half, Italy maintained their narrow lead through disciplined defending and methodical play. Albania valiantly sought an equalizer, creating several dangerous opportunities, but Italy’s backline, anchored by captain Leonardo Bonucci and bolstered by crucial saves from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, held firm. Ultimately, Italy’s experience and organization proved decisive, securing three important points to kick off their Euro 2024 Group B campaign. Meanwhile, Albania’s spirited performance and attacking intent hinted at their potential to surprise in upcoming matches. The game perfectly captured the unpredictable excitement of the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, promising further action in the group stage.
Italy vs Albania: Starting Lineups
Starting XI
| Italy | Albania |
|---|---|
| 1. Donnarumma (GK) | 1. Strakosha (GK) |
| 2. Di Lorenzo | 3. Mitaj |
| 3. Dimarco | 4. Hysaj |
| 5. Calafiori | 5. Arlind Ajeti |
| 7. Frattesi | 6. Djimsiti (C) |
| 8. Jorginho | 9. Asani |
| 9. Scamacca | 10. Bajrami |
| 10. Pellegrini | 11. Broja |
| 14. Chiesa | 15. Seferi |
| 18. Barella | 20. Ramadani |
| 23. Bastoni | 21. Asllani |
Substitutes
| Substitutes | Italy | Albania |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vicario (GK) | E. Berisha (GK) |
| 2 | Meret (GK) | Kastrati (GK) |
| 3 | Buongiorno | Balliu |
| 4 | Gatti | Manaj |
| 5 | Raspadori | Gjasula |
| 6 | Darmian | Mihaj |
| 7 | Bellanova | Laçi |
| 8 | Cristante | M. Berisha |
| 9 | Mancini | Muçi |
| 10 | Retegui | Ismajli |
| 11 | Zaccagni | Daku |
| 12 | Fagioli | Abrashi |
| 13 | El Shaarawy | Kumbulla |
| 14 | Cambiaso | Aliji |
| 15 | Folorunsho | Hoxha |
Match Timeline: Key Events
Italy vs Albania (16 June 2024, Euro 2024) – Timeline
- 1′ – Albania takes an unexpected lead as Bajrami scores following a defensive error.
- 11′ – Bastoni equalizes for Italy with a strong header.
- 16′ – Barella fires Italy ahead with a precise finish.
- 21′ – Yellow card: Pellegrini (Italy).
- 45’+3 – Half-time whistle.
- 51′ – Yellow card: Broja (Albania).
- 51′ – Yellow card: Calafiori (Italy).
- 68′ – Substitution: Hoxha replaces Asani (Albania).
- 68′ – Substitution: Laçi comes on for Seferi (Albania).
- 74′ – Yellow card: Hoxha (Albania).
- 77′ – Double substitution for Italy: Cristante for Pellegrini, Cambiaso for Chiesa. Manaj replaces Broja for Albania.
- 83′ – Italy substitutions: Retegui for Scamacca, Darmian for Dimarco.
- 87′ – Muçi comes on for Bajrami (Albania).
- 90’+2 – Italy brings on Folorunsho for Barella.
- 90’+4 – Full-time: Italy secures a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
Final Score: Italy 2 – 1 Albania
For more detailed statistics and post-match analysis, visit the official UEFA Euro 2024 match page. Explore additional group stage action and latest news on Euro 2024 at BBC Sport – Euro 2024.
