England suffered defeat in their World Cup opener as Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli scored to hand Italy a 2-1 victory in their Group D clash in Manaus.
Italy struck first when Marchisio drilled a low shot past Joe Hart after 35 minutes following a well-worked corner.
England’s response was immediate with Daniel Sturridge firing home at the back post just two minutes later following a slick move involving Raheem Sterling and Wayne Rooney.
But the Azzurri restored their lead on 50 minutes when former Manchester City striker Balotelli headed home at the back post. The goal came after the left side of England’s defence – which often saw Leighton Baines left unprotected -was exposed once too often.
Roy Hodgson’s side had several efforts on goal as they tried to get back into the game, but in Salvatore Sirigu – only drafted into the Azzurri side following an injury to first-choice Gianluigi Buffon – they found a keeper in excellent form, as Cesare Prandelli’s men held on to join Costa Rica on three points at the top of Group D.
It had all started so promisingly for an attack-minded England line-up, with Sterling and Jordan Henderson trying their luck from distance amidst the stifling heat of the Amazonia.
Antonio Candreva forced Hart into a fumbled save following a shot from distance, while Balotelli’s effort from a similar distance sailed over.
Danny Welbeck’s low ball into the box almost forced Italy into an own goal with Andrea Barzagli deflecting the ball just wide of Sirigu’s goal…
Scorers for Italy:
Mario Balotelli 1
Claudio Marchisio 1
Scorers for England:
Daniel Sturridge 1
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