Albania stunned Italy (and most soccer fans, for that matter) with the fastest goal in Euro Cup history on Saturday.
Midfielder Nedim Bajrami scored the goal 23 seconds into the match to give Albania the early one-goal lead.
Italy defenseman Federico Dimarco threw a horrible inbound pass intercepted inside the goalie’s box, and Bajrami promptly put the ball in the back of the net.
According to FIFA, Italy ranks ninth in the world rankings, last updated on April 4. Albania ranks 66th.
This is just Albania’s second appearance at the UEFA Euro Cup. It previously appeared in 2016 and lost in the group stage.
Despite its historic start, Albania is in deep trouble early. Italy rebounded from the early goal conceded with two of its own, including a header from defenseman Alessandro Bastoni 10:14 into the match.
Midfielder Nicolo Barella ripped another shot in the 16th minute that blazed past Albania goalie Thomas Strakosha to give the Italians a 2-1 lead.
Albania and Italy are in Group B at the 2024 Euro Cup, which began on Friday. Spain beat Croatia 3-0 in the other group-stage game on Saturday.
The group’s next set of matches is on Wednesday, with Italy taking on Spain and Albania playing Croatia.
