ROME – The Italian men’s football team opened the defence of their European title with a 2-1 win over Albania in Dortmund.

 The match started poorly for the Italians when Nedim Bajrami scored for Albania after just 23 seconds, breaking the record for the fastest goal scored at the Euros.

 However, Italy fought back, winning a corner and in the 11^th minute Alessandro Bastoni equalised the score with a header. Five minutes later, Nicolò Barella, whose appearance had been in doubt due to injury, masterfully controlled the ball and scored from 20 yards. He became the fourth Italian player to score at two European championships.

 Italy dominated the possession and looked comfortable, however could not break through the Albanian defence to extend their lead. They closed the first half with 72 percent possession and 13 shots at goal.

 In the second half, neither team managed to find the back of the net, although Italy came close several times only to be denied by goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha. Although unable to score, the Italians were comfortable in defence, preventing the Albanians from touching the ball in Italy’s penalty area for the majority of the second half.

 In the closing minute of the game, captain Gianluigi Donnarumma made a vital save to deny Albania a last-minute equaliser. Controversially, the referee awarded Italy a goal kick, finalising the defending champion’s opening match victory.

 Federico Chiesa, having recovered from an ACL injury, was awarded player of the match. Speaking after the match, he labelled the win a “positive” but said the team needs to be “more clinical.” Manager Lucian Spalletti echoed Chiesa’s sentiment in a post-match interview saying they “didn’t capitalize properly” on their chances.

 Italy face Spain, who they defeated on penalties in the semi-finals of the last Euros, on Thursday.