Albania stun holders Italy to set remarkable Euros record before swift fightback
In front of a raucous crowd made up largely Albania fans, the minnows went 1-0 up when a careless throw-in into his own penalty area from left-back Federico Dimarco allowed Nedim Bajrami in
Albania set a new European Championship record when they scored after 23 seconds of their opener against holders Italy in Dortmund.
In front of a raucous crowd made up largely Albania fans, the minnows went 1-0 up when a careless throw-in into his own penalty area from left-back Federico Dimarco allowed Nedim Bajrami in, and he fired his effort high into the net past the stranded Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The goal sparked the already vociferous crowd into even more life, and smoke was soon seen billowing from the end which housed the most Albania supporters, although fans in red shirts are scattered all around the ground.
Bajrami's goal smashed the previous fastest goal scored in a European Championships, scored by Russia's Dmitri Kirichenko against Greece after 67 seconds of a group stage clash in 2004.
However, Albania weren't to hold onto their lead for long, 10 minutes later Lorenzo Pellegrini's cross was headed in by Alessandro Bastoni for the equaliser.
Better was then to come for Italy, who took the lead five minutes later when Nicolo Barella lashed home from the edge of the box in a remarkable start to the game.
Sassuolo midfielder Bajrami, like many of the Albania players, plays his club football in Italy, and that has added an element of rivalry to a huge group stage opener.
There was a large police presence in Dortmund before the game, as well as a police helicopter circling overhead, but the game kicked off without any trouble being reported as fans mingled happily.
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