Italy and Albania clashed in a tense Euro 2024 match that was anticipated to be high-risk due to historical tensions between the two nations. The game took place in Dortmund and Berlin, where violent scenes erupted, despite the majority of fans interacting peacefully.
The clash began when around 100 Albanian ultras, dressed in black, launched an attack on Italian fans near a fast-food restaurant in Dortmund. Riot police swiftly intervened to contain the disorder, with eyewitnesses describing the sudden outbreak of violence.
Footage of the ultras’ actions was shared on a Czech website that glorifies hooligan behavior. Despite the security measures in place, unrest continued as fans made their way to the stadiums, with some exhibiting disruptive and provocative behavior.
In a separate incident in Berlin, one person was seriously injured when a shot was fired during a viewing of the match. German authorities are now searching for the perpetrator responsible for the violence.
Despite these disturbing events, Italy emerged victorious in the match after falling behind early on. The defense of their Euros crown began on a positive note with a 2-1 win over Albania, overshadowed by the violence and chaos surrounding the game.
Overall, the clash between Italy and Albania highlighted the challenges of managing high-risk fixtures and the importance of maintaining security and order in sporting events to ensure the safety of fans and participants alike.