Albania started their European Championship campaign in historic fashion by scoring a lightning-fast goal just 23 seconds into their match against reigning champions Italy in Dortmund. In a stunning turn of events, left-back Federico Dimarco’s careless throw-in allowed Nedim Bajrami to find the back of the net, leaving Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma stranded.
The exuberant Albanian fans in the crowd erupted with even more energy after the goal, with smoke billowing from the stands. This remarkable goal shattered the previous record for the fastest goal in European Championship history, previously held by Russia’s Dmitri Kirichenko in 2004.
However, the lead was short-lived as Italy’s Alessandro Bastoni levelled the score with a header just 10 minutes later. Italy then took the lead when Nicolo Barella scored from the edge of the box, leading to an intense and remarkable start to the game.
The match was filled with even more tension, as many of the Albanian players, including midfielder Bajrami, play their club football in Italy, adding an element of rivalry to the high-stakes group stage opener.
The significant police presence in Dortmund before the game, including a police helicopter circling overhead, did not deter the passionate fans from mingling happily. Both teams displayed impressive skill and determination, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament ahead.
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It’s certainly an electrifying start to the Euro tournament, and the unexpected twists and turns of this match have set the stage for an enthralling competition. We eagerly anticipate the remainder of the championship.