The reigning European champion was shocked early on when Nedim Bajrami hammered home after just 23 seconds for the fastest goal in European championship history.

Alessandro Bastoni soon levelled with a routine header, however, before Nicolo Barella's fizzing finish muted Albania's short-lived celebrations in its first Group B encounter.

The Azzurri, champion just three years ago at the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, never appeared troubled after the interval as Italy moved level on points with Spain, which hammered Croatia 3-0 earlier in the day.

Backed by thousands of Albania supporters in Dortmund, Bajrami stunned the defending champion with his record-breaking strike after less than 30 seconds of action.

A sloppy Federico Dimarco throw-in proved Italy's undoing as Bajrami powered into the area before launching into the top-right corner past a helpless Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Yet Luciano Spalletti's side soon turned things around with two goals in the space of six first-half minutes.

Lorenzo Pellegrini lifted a well-worked short corner towards the far post, where Bastoni headed in with ease, before Barella arrowed a perfect half-volley past Thomas Strakosha from the edge of the box.

Matters almost worsened for Sylvinho's team, but Strakosha produced an expert reflex save to push Davide Frattesi's deft lob against the left-hand post and away from danger.

A far more subdued opening to the second half followed as Albania dominated possession without reward, although Federico Chiesa went close for Italy when driving a rocketed effort wide of the top-left corner.

Donnarumma was, however, required late on to keep Italy's lead intact, racing out to deny Rey Manaj's chip, but the referee gave a goal-kick in the dying seconds as Italy held on for the three points.

Bajrami's goal was just Albania's second at the European championships and shattered the record for the fastest strike in the tournament's 64-year history.

Yet it was a familiar tale for Sylvinho's side, which has now lost its past five meetings with Italy across all competitions after a remarkable turnaround in the first half.

Albania will be desperate to respond when it meets Croatia on Thursday (AEST), aiming to add to its sole Euros victory that came in a 1-0 win over Romania in the final group game of the 2016 edition.