Confederations Cup - Pirlo and Balotelli on target as Italy down Mexico

Andrea Pirlo scored a stunning free-kick on his 100th cap for Italy, but it was Mario Balotelli who sunk Mexico in a 2-1 win in their Confederations Cup duel at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

The Juventus midfielder lifted a free-kick over the wall and high into the Mexico goal with keeper Jose de Jesus Corona left with no chance on 27 minutes.

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez sent Gianluigi Buffon the wrong way from the penalty spot on 34 minutes for the equaliser after Andrea Barzagli had clumsily bundled Giovani Dos Santos to the ground.

Barzagli was fortunate to avoid a straight red with replays showing there were no defenders between him and Buffon when he bundled Dos Santos to the ground.

Balotelli won it for the former World Cup holders with 12 minutes remaining of normal time when he outmuscled Francisco Rodríguez before sending the ball beyond Corona in the Mexico goal from deep inside the area.

Balotelli was booked for whipping off his shirt, but did not seem to care much with Italy getting their tournament off to a perfect start.

Cesare Prandelli's side face Japan in their next Group A match with Mexico meeting host nation Brazil on Wednesday.

Brazil began their campaign with a 3-0 win over Japan on Saturday evening.