da bwin： Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella spared Italy's blushes in their Euros title defence against a fast-starting Albania
da dobrowin： Italy recovered from conceding the fastest goal in European Championship history to secure a comeback 2-1 win over plucky Albania.
Nedim Bajrami pounced on Italy's defensive uncertainty to give Albania the lead after 23 seconds but Alessandro Bastoni's header and Nicolo Barella's sublime strike from the edge of the area put them ahead after 16 minutes.
The defending champions were unable to hammer home their advantage and it nearly cost them as Gianluigi Donnarumma made a crucial save in the game's dying embers. In the end, Italy held on in unconvincing fashion on Saturday night.
GOAL rates Italy's players from Westfalenstadion…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):
The Paris Saint-Germain keeper was well beaten for Albania's early goal and after nearly a whole game of having nothing to do, he made a great stop at the death from substitute Rey Manaj.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo (7/10):
Was beaten on the outside on a couple of occasions but worked well with Federico Chiesa on the right flank.
Alessandro Bastoni (7/10):
Perhaps didn't react quick enough for Albania's opener but responded well with a striker's headed finish soon after.
Riccardo Calafiori (7/10):
Is clearly confident in possession and likes to drive forward with the ball into the opposition's half. Was probably the pick of the Italian defenders on the night.
Federico Dimarco (6/10):
Started the game in inauspicious style as his wayward throw was pounced upon by Bajrami, who gave Albania a dream start. Recovered somewhat and in attack he is a real threat but he was fortunate that mistake didn't prove too costly.
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Davide Frattesi (7/10):
Nearly scored with a delightful chip but Serbia goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha made a great reaction save to tip his effort onto the post. Kept popping up in pockets of space and was unlucky not to score.
Jorginho (7/10):
Was key in turning the screw on Albania's midfield and asserting their dominance in the middle of the park.
Nicolo Barella (8/10):
Finished with a flourish as his volleyed effort caressed the back of the net to give his side the lead. A classy player.
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Federico Chiesa (8/10):
An absolute menace for Albania's defence. The winger ran circles around their backline and looks to have recaptured the magic he showed in their Euro 2020 triumph.
Gianluca Scamacca (7/10):
Led the line well and brought others into the game with neat interplay and layoffs. Faded as the game wore on, however.
Lorenzo Pellegrini (7/10):
Put in an industrious performance for the Italians. He provided a beautifully floated cross for the equaliser and was tracking back on the other side of the pitch to stop Albania's breakaways. A good, enterprising display.
GettySubs & Manager
Andrea Cambiaso (6/10):
Offered little when he replaced Chiesa.
Mateo Retegui (6/10):
Didn't really get much chance to shine.
Bryan Cristante (6/10):
Tried to see out the game but wasn't able to add the control Italy wanted.
Matteo Darmian (6/A):
Had too little time to make an impact.
Michael Folorunsho (N/A):
Luciano Spalletti (7/10):
His side kept their calm when falling behind so early on and regained their composure with two quick-fire goals. However, his substitutes, arguably, came on too late and their defensive nature invited pressure.