Minnows Albania stun Italy with fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds
ALBANIA created Euros history after Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest ever tournament goal after just 23 seconds.
The winger stunned Italy by opening the scoring with a powerful near post finish.
The goal had a touch of good fortune about it too as Italy defender Federico Dimarco made an astonishing mistake.
He had a throw-in deep in his own half and bizarrely decided to throw the ball into the penalty area.
But he underhit the throw and his team-mate Alessandro Bastoni reacted too slowly, allowing Bajrami to pounce.
Bajrami took a touch past Bastoni before firing past a helpless Gianluigi Donnarumma.
In doing so he created a piece of Euros history – smashing the previous fastest goal record.
That was a record held by former Russia star Dmitri Kirichenko, who scored against Greece after just one minute and six seconds in Euro 2004.
However Albania’s joy was short lived as Bastoni stole in at the back post to head in an equaliser in the 11th minute.
Five minutes later Albania picked up the ball out of their net again after Nicolo Barella fired in from the edge of area to give the defending champions the lead.
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Albania Euro 2024 guide
ALBANIA will be playing at a tournament for the first time in their history, and don't expect them to roll over despite being drawn against Croatia, Spain and Italy.
The Albanians stunned Poland and Czech Republic to finish top of their qualifying group and will be looking to spring more surprises.
MANAGER: Sylvinho
The former Arsenal, Man City and Barcelona star has Pablo Zabaleta as his assistant manager.
STAR MAN: Elseid Hysaj
Chelsea’s Armando Broja will be the main goal threat, but the experienced Lazio full-back will be expected to rally the troops as captain.
How Albania attack
Albania favour a slow build-up from deeper positions with a midfielder typically dropping deep to build from the defence.
They are not a team that look to cross the ball, but rather favour intelligent passes through to the striker or wide players.
Read the full Albania Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
It has been a goal fest at the Euros so far with 13 goals scored in the first three games.
The tournament exploded into life as Germany thrashed Scotland 5-1 in the opening game.