Balotelli gives Pirlo-inspired Italy 2-1 win over Mexico

Andrea Pirlo celebrated his 100th international appearance in style by scoring from a 30-metre free-kick as Italy began their Confederations Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Mexico last night.

Mario Balotelli won the game for Italy with a 78th-minute goal after Pirlo’s majestic effort had put them ahead and Javier Hernandez levelled for Mexico with a penalty.

Balotelli had a couple of early chances for Italy while Mexico’s Andres Guardado shaved the crossbar after a mistake by Ignazio Abate in a lively start.

Pirlo, always at the heart of the action, had a penalty turned down before bringing the Maracana to its feet with his 27th minute goal.

Mexico levelled seven minutes later when Andrea Barzagli was dispossessed by Giovani dos Santos and then barged over the Mexican forward as he tried to atone for his mistake. Hernandez sent Gianluigi Buffon the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Pirlo then produced an outrageous reverse pass to release Abate on the right, the move ending when Balotelli’s effort was blocked by Jose Corona from Abate’s low cross.

Pirlo’s free-kicks continued to cause trouble after the break and he curled another effort just wide of the post from a similar position to his goal.

Italy grabbed the winner when Emanuele Giaccherini cleverly flicked the ball into the penalty area where Balotelli held off Francisco Rodriguez and fired the ball past Corona.

The fans were treated to that now-famous celebration as Balotelli removed his shirt, for which he was duly booked.

Italian fans will be hoping the 22-year-old will be flexing his muscles again on Wednesday against Japan in Recife.

Yesterday’s match was again played against the backdrop of teargas and rubber bullets as riot police confronted protesters outside the Maracana stadium.

Reuters TV filmed police firing tear gas at the crowd estimated by local media at around 600 people.

The protests are ostensibly against the costs of the World Cup but people are also angry in Rio about a local issue surrounding the cost of public transport. There were demonstrations around the country earlier this month against public transport costs.

Protests marred the opening day of the tournament on Saturday when around 500 protesters were tear-gassed by police in Brasilia where the hosts were playing Japan.

Confederations Cup fixtures

Note: Kick-offs in Malta time.