Dortmund, Germany – The Euro 2024 clash between Italy and Albania was anticipated to be a high-risk fixture by authorities, with concerns about potential violence. While most fans appeared to be peaceful, there were still instances of violence that erupted in both Dortmund and Berlin during the match.
The game, featuring neighbors from across the Adriatic Sea, saw approximately 100 Albanian ultras dressed in black launching an attack on Italian fans near a fast-food restaurant, leading to intervention by riot police. Eyewitnesses described the sudden outbreak of violence as unexpected, with the authorities swiftly containing the situation.
Footage of the ultras’ behavior was shared on the Czech website Hooligans.cz, known for glorifying hooliganism. Despite the security measures in place around the stadium, the majority of fans were in good spirits, with a playful interaction between Albanian and Italian supporters captured in a viral social media clip.
Prior to the match, fans dressed in black made provocative gestures and Nazi salutes during the Italian national anthem, causing concerns about escalating tensions. In addition to the disturbances in Dortmund, violence also occurred in Berlin, where a person was injured due to a gunshot while watching the match.
Italy initially fell behind in the match but managed to secure a 2-1 victory, beginning their defense of the Euros title on a positive note. The incident in Berlin prompted a police search for the perpetrator, adding to the concerns surrounding the violence that marred the Euro 2024 fixture between Italy and Albania.