Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in Euros history to give Albania a shock 1-0 lead over reigning champions Italy. <br /><br />The forward blasted a shot into the roof of the net at the near post after 23 seconds to leave Italy shell-shocked in Dortmund. <br /><br />Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was helpless against such a vicious strike and could only watch as Bajrami wheeled away to celebrate in front of a sea of red. <br /><br />However, Albania's lead only lasted 10 minutes as defender Alessandro Bastoni rose above the crowd to head home an equalizer, redeeming himself for an error that led to Bajrami's goal. <br /><br />And soon Gli Azzurri had the lead when Nicolo Barella smashed in a first-time volley from the edge of the area after 17 minutes. <br /><br />The previous fastest goal in Euros history was scored after 67 seconds when Dmitri Kirichenko fired Russia ahead against eventual champions Greece in 2004. <br /><br />Bajrami had capitalized on a sloppy start from the opposition in blue. <br /><br />Bastoni had hesitated after Federico Dimarco threw the ball back into the box and Bajrami seized the ball before unleashing a powerful strike. <br /><br />The historic goal marks Bajrami's sixth on his 25th appearance for the nation. <br /><br />Albania is seen as the weakest side in the group of death, consisting of themselves, Italy, Spain, and Croatia.<br /><br />Earlier in the day, Spain thrashed Croatia 3-0 thanks to goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal. <br /><br />Albania finished top of a tricky qualifying group of Czechia, Poland, Moldova, and the Faroe Islands to reach Euro 2024, only losing once. <br /><br />This is only their second appearance at the European Championship. <br /><br />They qualified for the 2016 edition but were knocked out in the group stages after losing to Switzerland and France but beating Romania. <br /><br />Albania will subsequently play Croatia and Spain.
