Italy’s Euro 2024 opener against Albania had a rocky start when Italy conceded the quickest goal in tournament history after just 23 seconds. This early setback highlighted a defensive lapse in concentration by the Italian team, especially during a throw-in situation. Italy’s manager, Luciano Spalletti, admitted that his team “switched off” and failed to react quickly to the Albanian attack. Such defensive errors are unacceptable at the international level and could have cost Italy valuable points in the tournament.
Despite the early setback, Italy showed resilience and character by bouncing back to secure a 2-1 victory. Goals from Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella were crucial in turning the tide in Italy’s favor. Spalletti praised his team’s desire to continue playing good football even when the going got tough. However, the manager emphasized the need for Italy to be more clinical in front of goal in upcoming matches if they are to successfully defend their Euro title.
Spalletti acknowledged that the final scoreline did not reflect the true difference between the two teams and highlighted areas where Italy needs to improve. The manager emphasized the importance of being meaner in their approach and hurting the opposition when given the opportunity. Spalletti’s critique of his team’s possession and lack of killer instinct in the final third underscores the areas where Italy must focus on to become a stronger contender in the tournament.
Despite the team’s overall performance, Spalletti singled out midfielder Nicolò Barella for his standout display. Barella, who was initially an injury doubt, showcased his quality and importance to the team by delivering a stellar performance. Spalletti commended Barella’s ability to control the game from midfield and praised his impact in dictating the pace and quality of Italy’s play.
Italy’s next match against Spain presents a different challenge for Spalletti’s side. The manager hinted at changing Italy’s approach to counter Spain’s strengths and tactics. Forward Federico Chiesa echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the tough task ahead but expressing confidence in Italy’s ability to compete at the highest level. Chiesa emphasized the importance of having tough, battling players to succeed in the competition.
On the other side, Albania’s coach, Sylvinho, reflected on his team’s performance against Italy. Despite taking an early lead, Albania failed to hold onto it and suffered a narrow defeat. Sylvinho admitted that Albania could have managed the game better but recognized the quality of the Italian team. Looking ahead, Albania aims to bounce back in their next match against Croatia and deliver a better performance for their loyal fans.
Italy’s victory over Albania in their Euro 2024 opener was marred by defensive shortcomings and the need for improvement in key areas. While the team showed resilience and character to secure a win, manager Luciano Spalletti highlighted the areas where Italy must be better moving forward. The upcoming match against Spain will provide a stern test for Italy, but with the right approach and determination, they can overcome the challenges and continue their quest for Euro glory.