Italy survive early Albania scare to make winning start

Title-holders Italy have made a winning start to Euro 2024, rebounding from the shock of conceding the fastest goal in tournament history to post a 2-1 victory over Albania.

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

The previous fastest goal at the European Championship finals was from Russia's Dmitri Kirichenko after 67 seconds against Greece in 2004.

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

Italy were in full control, going close with several chances, but were almost punished for their wastefulness at the death by Albania substitute Rey Manaj whose chip was deflected away by Donnarumma.

"The scoreline doesn't reflect the difference between the two teams," Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said.

"(We) showed there was a gulf in class by playing good football … we played the game the right way."

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

Croatia had just found their way into the game when Spain burst into a 2-0 lead thanks to Alvaro Morata in the 29th minute and Fabian Ruiz three minutes later.

Dani Carvajal added a third in first-half added time.

Croatia thought they had pulled one back in the 80th minute after Bruno Petkovic put the ball in the net from the rebound after his penalty was saved by Unai Simon.

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

Spain's Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in European Championship history, at 16 years and 338 days.

"We have to stay wary, stay calm and be proud. We have to keep improving in the next game," coach Luis De La Fuente said, trying to play down Spanish expectations.

Switzerland claimed a 3-1 victory over Hungary that could be crucial for progressing from the 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 - the first international goals for both players.

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

Switzerland upset then world champions France to reach the quarter-finals of the last Euros in 2021.

Saturday's success put them level on three points with hosts Germany, who hammered Scotland 5-1 in Friday's tournament opener in Group A.