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Join us for all the build-up and action as it happens from Italy’s opening EURO 2024 fixture against Albania, as they begin the defence of their European title.
It kicks off in Dortmund at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
They then face Spain on June 20 and Croatia on June 24.
The Azzurri won the EURO 2020 trophy under Roberto Mancini, but Luciano Spalletti took over in September 2023 with radical tactical and personnel changes.
We also launch our YouTube channel coverage from Germany, with live video before and after the game.
Riccardo Calafiori only made his senior Italy debut two weeks ago, but started tonight’s EURO 2024 win over Albania. ‘I try to play like at club level and not think about the rest.’ https://t.co/w2dOHpnlof #Azzurri #ITAALB #EURO2024
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) June 15, 2024
Alessandro Bastoni is confident the ‘alchemy’ with Riccardo Calafiori in the Italy defence will grow after the 2-1 win over Albania. ‘I never understood the problem with two left-footed centre-backs.’ https://t.co/k7idhiIR7x #Azzurri #ITAALB #EURO2024
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) June 15, 2024
Nicolò Barella reveals his injury made him particularly determined to ‘repay’ the Italy team with a goal in the 2-1 victory over Albania. ‘Conceding so early could really hurt the players psychologically.’ https://t.co/GTNuldozKL #Azzurri #ITAALB #EURO2024
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) June 15, 2024
Luciano Spalletti was critical of Italy after their 2-1 win over Albania and irritated by the suggestion this team depends on Nicolò Barella. ‘This squad must be able to do without anyone' https://t.co/Zjj2H8zhIt #Azzurri #ITAALB #EURO2024
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) June 15, 2024
Federico Chiesa admits the early goal from Albania gave him ‘flashbacks’ to the EURO 2020 Final, but that ended in a victory for Italy too. ‘We need to kill off games we are dominating' https://t.co/Rqu4YOXN1W #Azzurri #ITAALB #Chiesa #EURO2024
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) June 15, 2024
They were playing Notti Magiche in the stadium, the anthem of the 1990 World Cup.
1 – Italy 🇮🇹 won their debut match in 4 consecutive editions among European Championship and World Cup for the first time in history. Group.#EURo2024 #ITAALB pic.twitter.com/ryQiIxxeZN
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) June 15, 2024
Spalletti did not seem terribly happy with the second half performance, as Italy were in control, but didn’t make it really count.
Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella overturned a disastrous start to EURO 2024 against Albania, as Nedim Bajrami scored within 23 seconds, for Italy to begin with a victory https://t.co/1hJJnPCOxJ #ITAALB #Azzurri #EURO2024
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) June 15, 2024
Italy start with a win!
Mitaj ends up sweeping a shot well wide and Jorginho has cramp.
BIG chance for Rey Manaj and Albania! 😲#ITAALB #BBCEuros #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/pxVH7mDyKb
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 15, 2024
Barella off, Folorunsho on.
Pitch invasion, guy has run onto the turf. He managed to dodge 3 before slipping…
Into 4 minutes of stoppages.
Ooooof. Long ball over the top for Manaj, who chests it down and tries to score with a delicate dink, but Donnarumma got his ribs to it! Huge save!
Muci on, Bajrami off
Frattesi cross from the right for Retegui intercepted.
Retegui and Darmian on, Scamacca and Dimarco off
Ball bounces awkwardly, Bastoni holds off Manaj as best he can, allowing Donnarumma to smother.
Dimarco surges forward, sees few options, so smacks it from distance, straight at the goalkeeper.
Cristante is basically replacing Barella, who moves up to the role Pellegrini had.
Cambiaso and Cristante on, Chiesa and Pellegrini off.
Rey Manaj on (remember him, Serie A fans?), Broja off
Cristante and Cambiaso are getting ready.