St Gallen (Switzerland): Mario Balotelli scored on his return to the national side as Italy defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the pre-World Cup friendly giving new manager a winning start in Saint Gallen here, Monday.
Mancini was appointed the new manager six months following the sacking of Gian Piero Ventura after the side failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years.
Balotelli returned to the national team after four years -last appearing in 2014 World Cup when he was made the scapegoat for their first round exit. The 27-yearl-old Nice striker took just 21 minutes to get on the scoreboard with his first goal for Italy since netting the winner against England at the 2014 World Cup. Balotelli found a way through with a low drive under the outstretched arms of Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais for his 14th goal in 34 appearances.
Italy have dropped to their lowest ever world ranking of 20th, but were in control against the 67th-ranked Saudis. Mancini opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and Sassuolo winger Matteo Politano handed his full debut.
Napoli winger Lorenzo Insigne nearly added a second minutes later after picking up a pin perfect cross but defender Yasir Al Shahrani blocked while An Alessio Romagnoli bicycle kick flew just wide with Domenico Criscito rattling the crossbar.
Coming on as a substitute replacing Balotelli, Andrea Belotti added the second in the 68th minute with a rebound after the 24-year-old Torino failed to get the ball into the net in first attempt.
Yahya Al-Shehri pulled Saudi Arabia back into the game four minutes later taking advantage of defensive error by Davide Zappacosta. Leganes winger Al-Shehri picked up a Salem Al Dawsari flick and fired past the outrushing Donnarumma into an empty net.
Italy will play two more friendlies, against France on June 1 in Nice and the Netherlands June 4 in Turin while Saudi Arabia will face Peru June 3 and Germany June 8 in two more warm-up games before kicking off their World Cup campaign
