Andrea Pirlo netted a sensational free-kick on his 100th appearance for Italy to lead the Azzurri to a 2-1 victory over Mexico in their Confederations Cup opener at the Maracanà.
In an entertaining Group A match, Italy dominated the majority of the match but Mexico goalkeeper José de Jesús Corona was in impressive form to keep them at bay.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 27th minute by one of Pirlo's trademark free-kicks.
Mario Balotelli was fouled by Gerardo Torrado 30 yards away from goal, and Pirlo curled a wonderful effort over the wall into the near top corner.
Although Corona appeared to withdraw his hands from the save, he was well beaten.
Javier Hernández leveled from the spot in the 34th minute before Balotelli put the Italians ahead again with 12 minutes left to seal a deserved victory.
"It's a wonderful feeling to reach 100 caps and mark it with a goal at the historic Maracanà. It was something I could only dream of since childhood," Pirlo told Rai Sport.
"It was a free-kick, one of my goals. The goalkeeper jumped for it and perhaps thought he wasn't going to get there, so pulled out."
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli added: "There are no more words for Andrea, just a huge embrace and round of applause."
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| Italy player Andrea Pirlo scores the opening goal against Mexico from a free-kick Photo: Getty Images |
In an entertaining Group A match, Italy dominated the majority of the match but Mexico goalkeeper José de Jesús Corona was in impressive form to keep them at bay.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 27th minute by one of Pirlo's trademark free-kicks.
Mario Balotelli was fouled by Gerardo Torrado 30 yards away from goal, and Pirlo curled a wonderful effort over the wall into the near top corner.
Although Corona appeared to withdraw his hands from the save, he was well beaten.
Javier Hernández leveled from the spot in the 34th minute before Balotelli put the Italians ahead again with 12 minutes left to seal a deserved victory.
"It's a wonderful feeling to reach 100 caps and mark it with a goal at the historic Maracanà. It was something I could only dream of since childhood," Pirlo told Rai Sport.
"It was a free-kick, one of my goals. The goalkeeper jumped for it and perhaps thought he wasn't going to get there, so pulled out."
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli added: "There are no more words for Andrea, just a huge embrace and round of applause."
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