Albania's Quick Goal Becomes Italy's Warning Against Spain

Italian team against Albania at Euro 2024. (X/@Azzurri)

JAKARTA - Italy is blessed. Conceding through goals created in seconds 23, Italy was able to turn things around to beat Albania 2-1 in the first match of Group B Euro 2024. But this is also a warning to Italy against the next match against Spain.

Italy has conceded the fastest goal in European Cup history. Midfielder Nedim Bajrami gave Albania the lead in a match held at the BVB Stadium, Dortmund, Sunday, June 16, 2024 in the morning WIB.

But Italy quickly rose. Luciano Spalletti's team was able to turn things around in just 16 minutes.

The duo of Inter Milan players, Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella managed to break into the Albania goal. Italy also won in the first match.

Spalletti did not hesitate to praise the performance and character of the Gli Azzurri players. They showed a very good response after Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal conceded in a very fast time. The Italian team was able to rise and show dominance over their opponents.

"We were careless, but the enthusiasm and motivation of the players to keep trying and show our maximum performance deserves appreciation," said Spalletti.

Hanya, Spalletti terlihat korrupsi karena tim tak mampu menjaga konsistensi. Terbukti saat performa tim mengalami penurunan di babak kedua sehingga mereka tak bisa menambah gol.

Menurut dia tim butuh pembenahan karena pada laga berikutnya Italia menghadapi Spanyol. Kelengahan di menit-min awal dan penyelesaian akhir yang sangat kurang menjadi titik lemah yang harus diperbaiki

"There are many things that need to be addressed. Moreover, we had thought that we played better. We had to be sharper, tighter and neater in building games. We felt brilliant in possession of the ball," he said.

"We have to move fast with the ball. We failed to do it in the game against Albania. But against Spain we may have a chance to play the ball. Because they play aggressively and try to pressure the opponent. This gives us the opportunity to play in their defense area," Spalletti said again.

Meanwhile, forward Federico Chiesa said the team had to be sharper. According to Juventus, the team actually wanted to press the opponent to add goals. But Spalletti asked the players to keep the game under control.

"We have to be sharper. We also really want to do more bait going forward. But the coach asked us to keep our game under control," Chiesa said.

"Whatever, we have done a good start. Many have stated that we are nothing more than a team that is not seeded. But we are able to show our best performance and now we are facing the next match against a great team, Spain," he said.

Spain will be Italy's next tough opponent. The two teams will duel at the Arena AufSchalke Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Friday, June 21, 2024 in the morning WIB.

In the first match, Spain beat Croatia 3-0. The big win made Spain perched at the top of Group B.