Italy kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign in style against Albania. Here’s all of the latest statistics and Opta data for both sides involved.
Nedim Bajrami capitalised on Italian’s subpar defense to give Albania an early shock, however Luciano Spalletti’s team responded swiftly and went on to secure a comfortable win.
Italy
Italy is one of the European nations known for their national football team, known as “La Squadra Azzura.” They compete internationally, Olympic-style tournaments like the World Cup and European Championship (a.k.a. “Euro” Cup), where millions watch and support them. Italy’s national squad comprises only top Italian players from professional clubs in Serie A domestic league – these players form La Squadra Azzura.
Italian national team football dates back to 1910 when its inaugural match took place against France – winning by 6-2. That same year, Italy began wearing blue uniforms inspired by the House of Savoy crest featured on their country flag; these uniforms have since been in use ever since.
Italy’s national team became a unifying symbol after unification in the 1970s despite poor performances during its late 1950s debut season, becoming popular enough to lead to an increase in Italian teams competing in Serie A; its success continues to inspire its supporters worldwide and even among Italian emigrants who continue wearing its Azzurri jersey overseas.
At the 2004 World Cup, Italy finished second in its group after victories over Ghana, Czech Republic and Sweden – drawing with Sweden only once. They advanced through to the semi-finals where they were ultimately knocked out by an experienced Soviet Union team; following the tournament Andrea Barzagli and Gianluigi Buffon announced their retirements from national team duty.
Current captain is Italian-born Juventus forward Mario Balotelli. The Azzurri have enjoyed success in friendly matches, winning half their contests. Their home and away record has also been admirable, boasting two wins and one draw each way.
Albania
Albania is a mountainous nation in Southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula with Adriatic and Ionian coasts, boasting a rich cultural legacy from Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and others that includes castles and archaeological sites from these civilizations. Tirana serves as its capital city; Skanderbeg Square hosts its National History Museum which exhibits from antiquity through postcommunism; it also contains frescoed Et’hem Bey Mosque.
Albania is a multiparty system and constitutional republic. President Alfred Moisiu, elected nonpartisanly by the unicameral People’s Assembly for five-year terms by unicameral People’s Assembly for 5-year terms; his powers of veto over legislation and appointment of several cabinet members is unique to Albania. There is also an independent judiciary system consisting of Constitutional Court and Supreme Court (who interpret law), appellate courts (presiding over appeal cases) as well as district and appeal courts which hear criminal and civil cases respectively.
As part of its Membership Action Plan, Albania is working with NATO to restructure and strengthen democratic structures as part of its armed forces and reduce weapons that pose public hazards and proliferation risks across its country.
Albania maintains strong ties with its neighbors and enjoys strong bilateral ties with the United States. It has signed free-trade agreements with most of its neighbors and reestablished diplomatic ties with Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and law enforcement agencies from Albanian, Italian and Macedonian are working more effectively together to reduce trafficking of arms, drugs, and people across their borders. Albanians attribute Woodrow Wilson with protecting their independence in 1919; therefore they generally support U.S. policies.
Goals
Italy battled back after Albania shocked them early with a goal in just 23 seconds of Euro 2024 tournament play, to defeat Albania 2-1. Alessandro Bastoni scored an equalizer from short corner before Nicolo Barella scored a winner to give Italy their early success in Dortmund.
At SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, the match has sold-out and many fans expect an easy victory for defending champions Germany – they’ve been priced at 1.40 to win with draws priced at 4.50 and Albania pegged back 8.50 points.
Even with such disparate odds, both teams have shown promise early on. The Azzurri have held possession and been peppering Albania’s goal with shots.
Barella seizes an outstanding chance by unleashing an off-balanced shot that finds its mark and sinks it in the top-left corner for an incredible goal. Italy take control and are back in charge.
Italy is a testament to their youth with only two players over 30 – Riccardo Calafiori and Federico Dimarco – over 30 in their starting lineup. Although Italy showed some early naivete when conceding two early goals, they have since recovered well; taking control of the game and pressuring Albania hard so as not to run away with it late on. A victory would give Italy an ideal start to Group B competition; Poland will provide them with another chance next week. A win could give Italy confidence for more success all the way.
Cards
Italy held their nerve and rallied back from being behind in order to take down Albania in their Euro 2024 opener at Dortmund’s BVB Stadion with a 2-1 win, led by Nedim Bajrami’s 23-second goal that broke a European Championship final scoring record, shocking them early on but quickly regrouping behind Alessandro Bastoni heading in from a corner and then Nicolo Barella’s magnificent strike giving Italy the lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
After recent Euro qualifying failures, many pundits have written off Albania and considered them underdogs in this Group B clash. But Sylvinho’s side showed they have enough quality and ability to pose real threats against their more established rivals; many players from their starting lineup represent Italian clubs such as Bajrami, Berat Djimsiti, Kristjan Asllani, and Ylber Ramadani – making up half their starting XI.
Their frontline boasted Arsenal midfielder Jorginho and Juventus winger Federico Chiesa – two seasoned campaigners who looked dangerous throughout the contest – but unfortunately couldn’t break through; only goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha’s brilliant save to deflect Davide Frattesi dink off the post prevented further ground being lost by their visitors.
Below you’ll find our Opta match centre from Dortmund’s BVB Stadion game, including team and player statistics, expected goals data, passing networks and much more. Additionally, click any individual players to access their individual ratings and performance stats.
Possession
Italy opened their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Albania at Dortmund Stadium, following an early blow from Nedim Bajrami’s early goal. Luciano Spalletti’s side soon responded thanks to goals scored by Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella to turn things around and seal victory.
These Serie A players are expected to play an instrumental role for Italy at this tournament and they started in impressive fashion. Inter midfielder Barella led his Azzurri teammates in qualifying with seven more chances than anyone else on his team, helping put Italy in the lead with an excellent first-time strike from outside of the penalty area in the 16th minute.
Albania may not have fared too well lately, yet their visitors have impressed in their opening matches. Their starting lineup features numerous Italian links like Atalanta defender Berat Djimsiti from Atalanta; Sassuolo playmaker Kristjan Asllani of Sassuolo; Chelsea youngster Armando Broja of Fulham who spent last season out on loan; Etrit Berisha was left off this time around; Brentford goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha being preferred in goal over Brentford goalkeeper Etrit Berisha
Early on, the hosts held possession well, yet failed to create any clear-cut chances as they attempted to establish their dominance of the match. Gianluca Scamacca’s sublime vertical pass saw Davide Frattesi shoot into the near corner of goal, prompting Strakosha into making a save with an attempt from close range from Davide Frattesi which forced a save from him.
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