Italy collapses – after Albania’s shock begin

The primary spherical of the European Championship group stage continues.

Saturday’s final match was performed between Italy and Albania. It kicked off at 9pm at Sign Iduna Park in Dortmund.

When Luciano Spalletti offered the Italian eleven, it was clear that stars reminiscent of Donnarumma, Jorginho and Barella got the possibility from the beginning.

In Albania, Premier League striker Armando Broja and Inter’s Kristjan Asllani, fairly expectedly, acquired a spot within the eleven.

Albania had a shock begin. It solely took 23 seconds – then the lead was a truth. This following a blunder by Federico Dimarco – who fully failed with a throw-in far down in his personal half. The ball ended up with Nedim Bajrami – who pounded the ball into the roof of the online behind Donnarumma. He thus set the quickest objective within the EC – of all time.

– A blunder by Dimarco and Bajrami was on it as quick as lightning. He thundered the ball into the roof of the online and he lights this place up. The followers have been ready all night for a second like this and it comes following 30 seconds, says former England worldwide Jermaine Jenas within the BBC.

Nevertheless, the Albanian pleasure was short-lived. Italy responded ten minutes later by means of Alessandro Bastoni. He discovered himself pretty unmarked at a cross – and headed in 1-1.

Italy gained steam, and it took simply 5 minutes for the second to reach. Nicolo Barella hit the ball completely on the half volley – and 2-1 was a truth.

– Italy leads deservedly. They’ve performed beautifully following Albania’s lead, Jermaine Jenas stated within the BBC.

The Italians drummed up and dominated the sport. In minute 33, Italy mixed the ball ahead to Davide Frattesi – who then chipped in 3-1. Nevertheless, he needed to see himself defeated by the put up.

– Quickly Albania must step up the stress. They can not let Italy have a lot time with the ball, stated Jermaine Jenas within the BBC.

Italy continued to create sizzling scoring probabilities within the closing levels of the half, however the rating was nonetheless 2-1 to the ‘Gli Azzurri’ when the referee blew for relaxation.

– It was a extremely attention-grabbing first half. Dream begin for Albania, however I used to be actually impressed by Italy’s composure. They caught to the sport plan, believed in themselves and acquired once more into the sport. A deserved lead, they have been the higher workforce, Alan Shearer stated on the BBC at half-time.

The previous nice participant Cesc Fabregas gave his view on the end result of the match within the BBC:

– I feel Albania scored too early. The early objective shocked the workforce, in a great way in fact, however then they defended too near their very own objective far too early. It allowed Italy to take over the sport and take the lead, he stated on the BBC.

A brand new Albania emerged within the second half, dominating possession at instances through the first ten minutes. Nevertheless, Italy ate into the half, and in addition got here near a objective. Within the sixtieth minute of the match, Frederico Chiesa acquired the ball on the fitting, folded in Arjen Robben-style following which dribbled the ball into Strakosha’s far nook.

Albania was not accountable for any additional forcing, however within the ninetieth minute Rei Manaj had an excellent alternative. He got here free from the fitting, however Donnarumma made an excellent save.

In direction of the tip of the match, a spectator made his manner onto the pitch, and a small interruption ensued.

The Italians later held off – regardless of a few good probabilities in the direction of the tip – and the match thus ended 2-1 to “Gli Azzurri”.

– Within the first half we noticed a extremely good response from Italy. You’ll be able to see what Luciano Spalletti is attempting to do; management video games, discover the gaps, open up the sport and discover Federico Dimarco and Federico Chiesa, Cesc Fabregas stated within the BBC following the match.

The Italians subsequent face Spain on June 20, and Albania play Croatia the day earlier than.

Startelvor:

Italy: Donnarumma – Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco – Jorginho, Barella – Chiesa, Frattesi, Pellegrini – Scamacca.

Albania: Strakosha – Hysaj, Djimsiti, Arlind Ajeti, Mitaj – Asllani, Ramadani, Bajrami – Asani, Broja, Seferi.