Mario Balotelli's second-half header earned Italy a 2-1 victory over an enterprising England side in an engaging World Cup Group D opener in the Amazon rainforest city of Manaus.
Mario Balotelli's second-half header earned Italy a 2-1 victory over an enterprising England side in an engaging World Cup Group D opener in Manaus on Saturday.
Amid muggy conditions in the Amazon rainforest city, Claudio Marchisio drilled Italy in front in the 35th minute, only for Daniel Sturridge to equalise two minutes later after a sweeping England counter-attack.
With 19-year-old Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling to the fore, England displayed plenty of endeavour, but they were ultimately undone by former Manchester City striker Balotelli's goal shortly after half-time.
His header prevented England from avenging their defeat on penalties by Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 and left Cesare Prandelli's side well placed ahead of Friday's meeting with Costa Rica -- shock 3-1 victors against Uruguay earlier in the day — in Recife.
Prandelli described the lack of time-outs due to the heat as "truly absurd", and said that he was relieved that Italy had been able to withstand England's pressure.
"Physically, I think we were a bit better than England," he said. "I think England are one of the strongest teams at the World Cup."
England manager Roy Hodgson drew encouragement from his youthful side's attacking vigour, but victory against a hurting Uruguay will now be imperative when the teams collide in Sao Paulo on Thursday.
"It is a bit tough to accept we lost the game," Hodgson told the BBC.
"Even when they got back to 2-1, I thought we would get back into it. I thought that was the best I'd seen the team play.
"To take them so close gives us great confidence playing against Uruguay and Costa Rica."
While Salvatore Sirigu deputised for the injured Gianluigi Buffon in goal for Italy, Hodgson sprang something of a surprise by fielding Sterling as a number 10, which obliged Wayne Rooney to play on the left.
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