- Bajrami blasted Albania ahead against Italy after 23 seconds to set a record
- However, Italy soon had their noses in front after Bastoni and Barella scored
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! ‘I wouldn’t touch Nagelsmann with a barge pole!’
Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in Euros history to give Albania a shock 1-0 lead over reigning champions Italy.
The forward blasted a shot into the roof of the net at the near post after 23 seconds to leave Italy shell-shocked in Dortmund.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was helpless against such a venemous strike and could only watch as Bajrami wheeled away to celebrate in front of a sea of red.
However, Albania’s lead only lasted for 10 minutes as defender Alessandro Bastoni rose above the crowd to head home an equaliser, redeeming himself for an error that led to Bajrami’s goal.
And soon Gli Azzurri had the lead when Nicolo Barella smashed in a first-time volley from the edge of the area after 17 minutes.
The previous fastest goal in Euros history was scored after 67 seconds when Dmitri Kirichenko fired Russia ahead against eventual champions Greece in 2004.
Bajrami had capitalised on a sloppy start from the opposition in blue.
Bastoni had hesitated after Federico Dimarco threw the ball back into the box and Bajrami seized the ball before unleashing a powerful strike.
The historic goal marks Bajrami’s sixth on his 25th appearance for the nation.
Albania are seen as the weakest side in the group of death, consisting of themselves, Italy, Spain, and Croatia.
Earlier in the day, Spain thrashed Croatia 3-0 thanks to goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal.
Albania finished top of a tricky qualifying group consisting of Czechia, Poland, Moldova, and the Faroe Islands to reach Euro 2024, only losing once.
This is only their second appearance at the European Championship.
They qualified for the 2016 edition but were knocked out in the group stages after losing to Switzerland and France but beating Romania.
Albania will subsequently play Croatia and Spain.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
