Switzerland edged out Hungary to secure the ideal start to Euro 2024 in Group A with a 3-1 victory. They join Germany at the top of the group after the hosts thrashed Scotland 5-1 in the tournament opener last night.
And goals from Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer has the Swiss in control at the break. But after Dominik Szoboszlai set up Barnabas Varga to halve the deficit, Switzerland were left hanging on. But Breel Embolo, returning from an injury-hit season, settled the contest with a delightful, chipped finish.
Earlier, Duah opened the scoring in just his second game for Switzerland, shooting low past goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi off a pass from Aebischer. Aebischer made it 2-0 just before halftime, sidestepping away from Attila Fiola to find space on the edge of the box to hit a curling low shot past Gulacsi.
Varga’s diving header in the 66th off Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross brought celebrations for Hungary as some of its black T-shirt-wearing hardcore fans lit flares. Hungary kept Switzerland under pressure after that but couldn’t find a second goal. Switzerland is second in Group A after host nation Germany beat Scotland 5-1 on Friday in the tournament opener. Hungary had its first loss in a competitive game since September 2022.
Relive all the action from Hungary vs Switzerland below, plus the latest from Spain v Croatia:
Euro 2024: Italy 1-1 Albania
Italy have done well to recover so quickly, but they’ll be aware of the threat that Albania possess. The Azzurri are keeping the ball well at the moment.
Chris Wilson15 June 2024 20:17
GOAL! Italy 1-1 Albania
Italy win their first corner of the game as Hysaj puts it behind. Pellegrini plays it short before delivering an inviting ball to the back post, and Bastoni rises high to power the header past Strakosha.
Chris Wilson15 June 2024 20:13
Euro 2024: Italy 0-1 Albania
Albania are roared forward as Broja collects the ball and drives towards the box. He lays it off to Asani, whose ball in is put behind for a corner.
Asllani delivers to the near post, but Di Lorenzo heads away.
Chris Wilson15 June 2024 20:10
Euro 2024: Italy 0-1 Albania
The goal was recorded after 23 seconds, which makes it the fastest goal in European Championship history.
Italy look a little shellshocked but they attack again, with Djimsiti making an important block from Chiesa’s shot.
Chris Wilson15 June 2024 20:08
Euro 2024: Italy 0-1 Albania
Italy looked to equalise straight away, but Albaniamange to clear. It’s been a dream start for the side in red and black.
Chris Wilson15 June 2024 20:06
GOAL! Italy 0-1 Albania
GOAL! An unbelievable start!
Dimarco’s throw-in is put into the Italy box but it runs straight to Nedim Bajram, who takes a touch and rifles it past Donnarumma at the near post!
Chris Wilson15 June 2024 20:04
KICK-OFF: Italy 0-0 Albania
KICK-OFF! We’re underway at the Westfalenstadion after rousing renditions of the respective anthems. There are an awful lot of Albania fans present.
Chris Wilson15 June 2024 20:01
Euro 2024: Italy vs Albania
The teams are out of the tunnel and the national anthems are underway. Just over five minutes until kick-off in Dortmund.
Chris Wilson15 June 2024 19:55
Albania’s form
While many will be expecting a straightforward win for Italy tonight, Albania will put up a fight, backed by a fervent support.
They qualified top of their group, above the Czech Republic and Poland, and have several players who play in Serie A – such as Atalanta defender Djimsiti, Inter Milan midfielder Asslani and Sassuolo midfielder Nedim Bajrami – as well as on-loan Chelsea striker Armando Broja.
They have won two, lost two and drawn one of their last five games, including wins against Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein in warm-up games.
Chris Wilson15 June 2024 19:53
Head-to-head
Tonight will be the fifth time Italy and Albania have met on the international stage, including twice in the qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup. Italy have won all four previous meetings.
The first meeting came in a friendly in 2014, with the Italians winning 1-0. Italy won 2-0 at home and 1-0 away in the 2017 qualifying campaign, and won again in another friendly in 2022, with Grifo and Di Lorenzo (2) getting the goals in a 3-1 win.
Chris Wilson15 June 2024 19:50
