Italy recover to beat Albania after conceding fastest goal in Euros history

Nicolo Barella ensured defending champions Italy launched their Euro 2024 campaign with a victory.

Nicolo Barella scored Italy’s winning goal against Albania (Nick Potts/PA)

Nicolo Barella ensured defending champions Italy launched their Euro 2024 campaign with victory over Albania despite conceding the fastest goal in European Championship history.

Nedim Bajrami fired the Albanians ahead after just 23 seconds at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund, in the process eclipsing Dmitri Kirichenko’s strike 67 seconds into Russia’s 2-1 win over Greece in 2004.