Italy opened their 2014 World Cup campaign with an entertaining 2-1 win over England. Sam Lewis runs through those who impressed.

Salvatore Sirigu: 8

Italy opened their 2014 World Cup campaign with an entertaining 2-1 win over England. Sam Lewis runs through those who impressed.

Salvatore Sirigu: 8

Faced enormous pressure replacing Gianluigi Buffon and couldn't do a lot about Daniel Sturridge's equaliser. Responsible for several impressive saves.

Matteo Darmian: 7

Was solid, industrious and played with a maturity that belied his years against a talented English front-line. A positive start for the Torino defender.

Andrea Barzagli: 7

Looked panicked at times but was responsible for a goal-saving tackle in the first half. Was Italy's best central defender.

Gabriel Paletta: 6

Looked uncomfortable under considerable England pressure and was often rescued by his counterparts. Gave the ball away in the first half that nearly led to a goal.

Giorgio Chiellini: 5.5

Left huge space behind in him the first half as the Juventus” data-scaytid=”11″>Juventus man was often too cavalier going forward. Was lucky at times as the veteran made some poor decisions. 

Daniele De Rossi: 6

Was a solid tackler and passer while England dominated possession in the second half, had a largely quiet but effective 90 minutes.

Andrea Pirlo: 7.5

Was typically creative and efficient. Responsible for an excellent Marchisio goal thanks to the midfielder's sublime dummy and nearly scored with a terrific free-kick.

Marco Verratti: 6.5

Was inventive at times in the first half, combining well with Pirlo and Candreva but a quiet second half saw him replaced by Thiago Motta.

Claudio Marchisio: 7

Was largely anonymous in the second half but was responsible for Italy's opening goal with a low, driving strike. An important part of the victory.

Antonio Candreva: 7

Was Italy's brightest player with a few testing shots for Joe Hart in the England goal. Supplied an excellent cross for Balotelli's goal.

Mario Balotelli: 7

Gave Italy the lead after 50 minutes with an imperious header following Antonio Candreva's pinpoint cross. Was occasionally isolated but remained a reference point.

Substitutes

Thiago Motta: 6

Replaced Marco Verratti on 57 minutes. Was a calming defensive presence as Italy held onto their lead. 

Ciro Immobile: 6

Replaced Mario Balotelli on 73 minutes. Was a goal-saving Gary Cahill tackle away from scoring the Azzurri's third goal. Was rather lonely in the final minutes.

Marco Parolo: No rating

Replaced Antonio Candreva on 78 minutes. Was largely a defensive player as England dominated possession. A quiet game for the Parma man.

Coach: Cesare Prandelli: 7

Wasn't as aggressive as many Italy fans hoped with defensive substitutions after Balotelli gave his side the lead, but set the team up exceptionally.

Words: Sam Lewis

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