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20:59
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'We expected more'
I was really impressed with their attitude but I did expect them to kick on. That didn't really happen. There was a moment where it was edgy.
We saw a good reaction and what they were trying to do in terms of opening the game up but second half we expected more. They didn't do it. You have to be brave, in the last minute they could have conceded but they needed to be more brave going forward.
19:56
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'If Italy want to do well, Barella is key'
Technically I think it is the best moment of the match. Italy opted for the three plus two, they have great mobility. When you play against a deep block, you need to penetrate. But what a strike. We all know how difficult it is. If Italy want to do well, Barella will be a key player.
18:53
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'There are red shirts everywhere'
The Westfalenstadion has been taken over by Albanians. That would go for the entire city of Dortmund. It was true of the central train station at 9am this morning and more so inside the stadium an hour before kick-off. There are red shirts everywhere and of course the qeleshe hats (white without a peak) of traditional dress.
What blue there is on sight is consumed by red in all parts of the ground. It does make you wonder what effect the atmosphere might have on a game for which the defending champions are favourites.
There a few connections to English football in this Albania set-up. Sylvinho and Pablo Zabaleta are familiar faces in their technical area and on the pitch the Chelsea striker Armando Broja leads the line. Less recognisable is their keeper – Brentford’s back-up stopper Thomas Strakosha.
18:26
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What the coaches say - Sylvinho
We've built a team that plays with heart and intelligence. Each player understands their role and the collective goal we are striving for.
Facing teams like Italy, Croatia and Spain is a huge challenge, but it's also an incredible opportunity to show our progress and make our nation proud.
Broja's speed and technical ability will be crucial for us. His ability to exploit spaces could be a game-changer.
18:24
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What the coaches say - Luciano Spalletti
Coming to the tournament as defending champions is an advantage. But we need to understand straight away that we need to behave like defending champions.
We need to convince ourselves, not only the fans. In a way, we are facing ourselves, not the outside world. We need to show what we are made of, to show what we have inside.
This is a tricky match. Sylvinho has done a very good job with a host of quality players, many of whom we know from Serie A.
Key Updates
- FULL TIME - Italy 2-1 Albania
- OFF THE POST! Italy 2-1 Albania
- Italy turn it around!
- GOAL! Italy 2-1 Albania (Barella)
- Champions back on track
- GOAL! Italy 1-1 Albania (Bastoni)
- Lift off for Albania!
- GOAL! Italy 0-1 Albania (Bajrami)
- Team News - Albania
- Team News - Italy
- EURO 2024 TEAM GUIDE: Albania
- EURO 2024 - TEAM GUIDE: Italy