Soccer: Italy beat England 2-1 in World Cup opener

Goals by Marchisio, Balotelli give Azzurri fine start in Brazil

(ANSA) - Rome, June 15 - Italy made a strong start to their World Cup campaign when they beat England 2-1 on their first Group D match on Saturday thanks to goals by Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli. Marchisio thrashed home the opening goal of an entertaining encounter from outside the box after a superbly worked move from a corner in the 35th minute.

Wayne Rooney set up Daniel Sturridge to touch in from close range at the end of a fast counterattack to level just two minutes later in the intense heat and humidity of Manaus. But Balotelli grabbed the three points for four-time world champions Italy, heading in at the far post after Antonio Candreva broke free from England left back Leighton Baines and curled in a pinpoint cross. Italy next face Costa Rica, who stunned Uruguay 3-1 in the other opening group match, on Friday.