By Victor Enengedi
In one of the first round matches of the FIFA Confederations Cup, Italy defeated Mexico in a 2-1 victory.
Celebrating his 100th cap, Andrea Pirlo had given Italy the lead with one of his trademark free-kicks in the 27th minute.
Mexico equalised in the 34th minute, when Javier Hernández converted a penalty after Andrea Barzagli tripped Giovani Dos Santos.
In the 78th minute Mario Balotelli collected an acrobatic pass from Emanuele Giaccherini and muscled between two defenders to break the deadlock at the renovated Maracanã Stadium.
