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Saturday’s festivities began with a viral video of an Albania fan breaking spaghetti in front of Italy fans. That was a declaration of war.
The video spread like wildfire across the internet as the precious pasta of Italia was destroyed for all to see.
Albania fan breaking spaghetti
Tw: Italianophobia
Albanian fans snapped spaghetti in front of Italian fans ahead of the Italy-Albania Euro 2024 match. pic.twitter.com/7c3c5rByOI— kos_data (@kos_data) June 15, 2024
Italy responded with a 2-1 victory at Signal Iduna Park in front of a crowd that was around 70% pro-Albania.
Italy vs. Albania highlights
The win didn’t come easy. The Italians were still shell shocked from the spaghetti massacre and conceded the fastest goal in Euro history. After just 23 seconds Italy trailed courtesy of a poor throw in and a Nedim Bajrami rocket.
OOOOHHHHH MMYY!!!!!!!
ALBANIA TAKES THE LEAD WITH THE FASTEST GOAL IN EUROS HISTORY pic.twitter.com/21hOG4ebJc— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2024
Sound up on this one
The call of Nedim Bajrami's 23 second goal on Albanian TV was absolutely electric ⚡️(via Televizioni Klan) pic.twitter.com/wE4IqzctBS
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2024
Mamma mia.
Italian fans were witnessing their worst nightmare unfold before their eyes.
This isn’t just any European team though. This is the defending European champs we’re talking about. The Italians dusted themselves off and responded with two goals in the space of five minutes.
Alessandro Bastoni struck first with a powerful headed effort to get his side level in the 11th minute.
Italy with the response!
GAME ON pic.twitter.com/d6DeJrfy0Q— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2024
Five minutes later Nicoló Barella lasered in the go-ahead goal to restore order and avenge the spaghetti decimated earlier in the day.
WHAT. A. STRIKE.
Italy takes the lead thanks to this beauty from Nicolò Barella pic.twitter.com/NPioNKZuDk— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2024
After taking the lead Italy did their best to manage the game, hold possession and limit Albania’s chances.
The decisive moment of the game came in the 90th minute when Albania had a rare chance and golden opportunity to equalize. Substitute Rey Manaj found himself 1-on-1 with Gianluigi Donnarumma after a ball over the top and the Italian goalkeeper did just enough to keep out Manaj's shot.
Albania is looking for a late equalizer pic.twitter.com/4w9sU38ks8
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2024
The referee disappointedly gave a goal kick after the save which enraged the Albanian players.
Italy were able to hold the line for the closing minutes and secured a big three points in the group of death. The other result from Group B saw Spain defeat Croatia 3-0 earlier on Saturday.
Albania will face Croatia next on Wednesday while Italy will play Spain on Thursday.
