Nedim Bajrami capitalised on a terrible throw-in from Federico Dimarco and smashed the ball into the roof of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s net to give Albania the lead 23 seconds into the Group B match in Dortmund.
The previous fastest goal at the European Championship finals was from Russia’s Dmitri Kirichenko after 67 seconds against Greece in 2004.
The Azzurri fought back quickly, with Alessandro Bastoni heading an 11th-minute equaliser before Nicolo Barella completed the comeback five minutes later with a drive into the left corner.
Italy were in full control, going close with several chances, but were almost punished for their wastefulness at the death by Albania substitute Rey Manaj whose chip was deflected away by Donnarumma.
“The scoreline doesn’t reflect the difference between the two teams,” Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said.
“[We] showed there was a gulf in class by playing good football … we played the game the right way.”
AAP
