Video: Mario Balotelli produced a glorious first touch and a brilliant outside of the boot cross to set up Italy’s goal last night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNzAebUNFw&feature=youtu.be

Oh Mario, with these brilliant pieces of skill you’re really spoiling us.

A 1-1 draw with Luxembourg is nothing to write home about (it also takes a little bit of the gloss off Ireland’s performance in the 0-0 draw with the Azzurri at the weekend) but Italy fans were at least given something to cheer about thanks to a couple of moments of genius by Mario Balotelli last night. It all looked good for Italy when Balotelli created the opening goal for Claudio Marchisio early on, controlling a long ball by the midfielder with a sublime first touch before taking out as many as four Luxembourg defenders with a beautiful outside of the boot cross to Marchisio, who had continued his run into the box and nodded Italy into the lead from close range. More of the same from Mario in Brazil wouldn’t go amiss, but Italy could do with getting their act together if they’re going to make an impression on the tournament. Video via YouTube/Footy-Goals.com