Defending champions Italy made a winning start to Euro 2024 as they rebounded from the shock of conceding the fastest goal in tournament history to post a 2-1 victory over Albania in Dortmund.

Albania’s Nedim Bajrami capitalised on a terrible throw-in from Federico Dimarco and smashed the ball into the roof of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s net 23 seconds into the Group B match.

The previously fastest goal at Euro finals was from Russia’s Dmitri Kirichenko after 67 seconds against Greece in 2004.

But the Azzurri fought back quickly, with Alessandro Bastoni heading an 11th-minute equaliser, and Nicolo Barella completing the comeback five minutes later with a drive into the left corner.

Italy were in full control, with chances including Davide Frattesi hitting the post and Francesco Chiesa firing just wide.

They were almost punished for this wastefulness at the death by Albania substitute Rey Manaj whose chip was crucially deflected away by Donnarumma.

Morata hurt as Spain impress

Three-time winners Spain started their Euro 2024 campaign with an impressive 3-0 triumph against Croatia in Berlin

Croatia had just found their way into the game when the Spanish side quickly built a 2-0 lead thanks to Alvaro Morata in the 29th minute and Fabian Ruiz three minutes later. Dani Carvajal added a third shortly before the break.

Croatia thought they pulled one back in the 80th minute after Bruno Petkovic had a penalty saved by Unai Simon but got the ball into the back of the net via a rebound.

The goal, however, was ruled out because Ivan Perisic, who assisted Petkovic,  had encroached into penalty area when the spot-kick was taken.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in European championship history making his Euro debut at 16 years and 338 days.

Morata, who took the opening goal coolly, suffered a leg injury but felt he would be ready for their next assignment.

“A strong blow. My leg was getting too heavy, but I’m ready for Italy,” Morata said.

Spain manager Luis De La Fuente added: “We will have to wait and see the importance of the injury, but this type of mishap in a tournament as short as the European Championship can be definitive.”

Former Socceroo David Zdrilic panned Croatia’s performace on Optus Sport.

“All three goals were bad defending, it shouldn’t happen,” Zdrilic said.

“So terrible, schoolboy errors that have cost them three goals.

“There were signs that they should have done better in this game. Up front they should have at least scored one goal.”

Croatia’s bungled penalty – conceded by Manchester City’s Rodri and one in which he was fortunate to escape a red car from Michael Oliver – summed up their attacking woes.

“They have good strikers, not world class strikers,” Zdrilic said of Croatia.

“These kind of chances should be going in at this level and that’s the problem.”

Xhaka supreme in Swiss stroll

Switzerland earlier  claimed a 3-1 victory over Hungary that could be crucial for progressing from the Euro 2024 group stage. 

Michel Aebischer set up the first goal for Kwadwo Duah in the 12th minute and then struck himself at the end of the first half. They were the first international goals for both players.

Hungary pulled one back from Barnabas Varga in the 66th minute in an improved second half but substitute Breel Embolo wrapped up matters for the Swiss in stoppage time. 

Switzerland had upset then world champions France to reach the quarter-finals of the last Euros in 2021, and Saturday’s success put them level on three points with hosts Germany, who routed Scotland 5-1 in Friday’s tournament opener in Group A. 

The Swiss were lead superbly by former Arsenal and now Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka.

Xhaka completed 79 of 88 passes (90 per-cent) and created four chances in the match, in addition to firing one shot on target, winning two tackles, six duels and recovering possession four times.