Italy Player Ratings: Dominant in Midfield, Shocking Error, and Struggle for Chelsea Player

Italy recovered from an early scare to beat Albania 2-1 in their opening fixture of Euro 2024. 

Nedim Bajrami had given the Albanian minnows the fastest lead in Euros history when he smashed past Gianluigi Donnarumma after just 23 seconds.

But Italy responded swiftly, with goals from Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella ensuring they were ahead after 17 minutes.

From there the reigning champions held their lead to keep pace with Group B leaders Spain, who beat Croatia 3-0 earlier in the day.

Mail Sport’s Aadam Patel brings the player rating sfrom Dortmund.  

ITALY (4-3-3)

Gianluigi Donnarumma (7)

One of just five Italian players who started that also began the Euro 2020 final against England, with Italy naming their youngest starting lineup at an European Championship since 1988. 

He could do nothing to keep out Nedim Bajrami’s smashing opener, just 23 seconds in. 

Didn’t have a save to make otherwise until the dying stages when he made a brilliant stop to deny Ray Manaj. That’s the sign of a class keeper.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo (7)

Completed 66 passes in the first half – more than anyone else on the pitch and was influential all evening, down the right flank and regularly dropping in as a third centre-back.

Alessandro Bastoni (7)

A simple enough header to equalise but still did well to get in the right position and convert. Should perhaps have done better to stop Bajrami getting a shot away for his goal but overall, a confident performance capped off with his second goal for Italy.

Riccardo Calafiori (7)

After years of seeing the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci at the back for Italy, the reins have now been handed to the youth, with Calafiori, 22, becoming Italy’s second-youngest defender in Euros history behind only Paolo Maldini. 

He was excellent too, bombing forward whenever he could and and regularly coming out on top in duels. Booked early in the second half but a solid display, all round.

Federico Dimarco (5)

At fault for Albania’s goal with a shocking error but recovered after that to put in a good shift. Played a part in Italy’s equaliser with a well-worked corner routine. Replaced for Darmian in the 83rd minute.

Davide Frattesi (7)

Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when Thomas Strakosha somehow got a touch to his dinked effort to divert it onto the post. An assured performance in midifeld.

Jorginho (7)

Reliable, as ever and key to everything Italy did. Ensured Italy didn’t force it despite going behind early on and dictated the tempo all evening. Such an intelligent footballer.

Nicolo Barella (8)

A stunning goal that showed every bit of the quality he possesses. Keeping his eye on the ball, cutting back across it and smashing it into the back of the net. A strike worthy of winning any game. Dominant in midfield throughout.

Federico Chiesa (7)

One of the stars of Euro 2020. Feels like he has another level in the Italian shirt. Caused problems for the Albanian defence all game and came within inches of scoring a beauty, when his left-footed strike flashed just wide off the post. Came off in the 77th minute for Andrea Cambiasso.

Gianluca Scamacca (6)

Had a great chance to score in the first half but was denied by Strakosha. Got himself into some good positions but didn’t really dazzle. Substituted for Mateo Retegui in the 83rd minute.

Lorenzo Pellegrini (7)

Wonderful delivery for Bastoni’s equaliser that was asking to be put into the net. Picked up a first-half yellow card, taking one for the team, as he stopped an Albanian attack before heading wide when he had a great chance. Had an first half. Taken off for Bryan Cristante in the 77th minute.

ALBANIA (4-2-3-1)

Thomas Strakosha (7)

Made some crucial saves to keep Albania in the game and was superb all evening. Can’t really blame him for either of the two Italy goals.

Elseid Hysaj (4)

Unforgivably ducked out of the way for Nicolo Barella’s goal and that was ultimately the difference. Simply cannot be doing that at any level, never mind at the Euros.

Arlind Ajeti (6)

A tough evening with Italy constantly on the front foot but alongside Djimsiti, the pair battled well though Italy’s quality showed

Berat Djimsiti (6)

Like Djimsiti, can take pride from his performance. Despite conceding two goals in five minutes, they were strong enough to not let the game get away from them.

Mario Mitaj (5)

Was terrorised by Chiesa who was simply too good for him. It won’t get any easier in this group though, with the prospect of Lamine Yamal on his wing when Albania play Spain next weekend.

Yiber Ramadani (6)

Struggled to get much time on the ball but part of an Albanian midfield that put in a solid shift when out of possession to limit Italy as much as possible

Kristjan Asllani (6)

The man born in Albania but raised in Italy. Another one who worked tirelessly but the Inter Milan midfielder lacked options whenever he received the ball.

Jasir Asani (5)

Known to shoot on sight but didn’t test Donnarumma with his two strikes. Just the 22 touches in 68 minutes before he was replaced for Arber Hoxha.

Nedim Bajrami (7)

Gave Albania the dream start. What a moment. His goal 23 seconds in is the fastest in European Championship history, by 44 seconds. And what a finish it was too, as he took a touch to go on the outside of Bastoni before rifling one in past Donnarumma, who had no chance. 

The scenes that followed with the fans were joyous and will go down as one of the moments of the tournament.

Taulant Seferi (5)

Was asleep for Italy’s equaliser when Bastoni beat him to the header and struggled defensively down the left flank to cope with Chiesa. Just 24 touches in 68 minutes before Sylvinho removed him for Qazim Leci.

Armando Broja (6)

Struggled to do anything of note and spoke volumes that his replacement Ray Manaj looked much more of a threat when he came on in the 77th minute for Broja. 

Manaj nearly scored what would have been a memorable historic equaliser, but Donnarumma got a vital touch.