Mexico 1-2 Italy.
Mario Balotelli stole the show in Rio, as he crashed in a second-half
winner to ensure Italy marked Andrea Pirlo's 100th cap with victory at
the Maracana.
The AC Milan striker fought his way into the penalty
area and produced a fierce low shot to give the Azzurri their first win
over Mexico since 1993 and, with it, the perfect start to their
Confederations Cup campaign.
Pirlo himself had given Italy the lead midway through the first half with a trademark free-kick, only for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez to bring Mexico level from the penalty spot.
Victory leaves Italy level on points with hosts Brazil at the top of Group A, with Japan next up on Wednesday. Mexico play Brazil on the same day.
Pirlo's free-kick was a magical moment and Italy remain unbeaten in the 12 matches in which the Juventus midfielder has scored. But as far as the Brazilian public was concerned the night belonged to Balotelli.
The former Manchester City striker had cut a frustrated figure for long periods of the match, having missed a series of early chances and been dumped on his backside by a series of heavy second-half challenges. There were even glimpses of that famous temper but, ultimately, he was not to be denied.
A balmy night at the Maracana witnessed a game packed full of attacking football - and the locals loved it. On both sides, the passing was fluid and the sense of adventure obvious.
From the outset Italy's attacking play looked elegant and effortless with three chances falling to Balotelli in the opening eight minutes.Gerardo Torrado and Francisco Rodriguez continually looked stretched at the heart of the Mexican defence, as Balotelli chipped one chance over and fired two more into the arms of goalkeeper Jose Corona. But there was defensive uncertainty from the Italians too.
In the end Italy came out on top with a dazzling performance from both Pirlo and Balotelli, and Mexico were just "unlucky". They never gave up hope and fought till the end.
After that match this is how groupA is shaping up:
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | Italy | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | Mexico | 1 | 0 |
| 4 | Japan | 1 | 0 |
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