ANKARA
Italy beat Albania 2 – 1 in a Group B match in the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship (EURO 2024) on Saturday.
Nedim Bajrami stunned the Italians with his goal from the penalty area after intercepting a throw-in in the first minute at BVB Stadion Dortmund.
Alessandro Bastoni equalized with a header on a corner kick in the 11th minute.
Nicola Barella brought the lead to Italy with a well-placed first-time long shot in the 16th minute.
Italian midfielder Davide Frattesi missed a chance to make it 3 – 1 as his shot was deflected by the Albanian keeper to the post in the 33rd minute.
Albania’a Ray Manaj missed a chance to equalize as his shot went parallel to an empty Italian goal in the 90th minute.
Young defender Mario Mitaj of Albania wasted another opportunity as his long shot missed the goal by inches in the 96th minute.
Italy are placed second behind Spain with 3 points, while Albania are in the third spot without a point.
