MANAUS, Brazil -- Pure class and pure power. Skill and strength. Creative vision and clinical finishing. Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli are a study in contrasts on the football pitch. And off it. Together, they provide Italy with two distinct weapons and on Saturday both players stood out in a 2-1 win over England at the World Cup. Pirlo set up Italys opening goal without even touching the ball and Balotelli headed in the winner early in the second half. "We take our hats off to their skill," England coach Roy Hodgson said. It was an evening reminiscent of the 2012 European Championship, when Pirlo and Balotelli combined to lead Italy to the final of the European Championship. This time, after a few errant passes from Pirlo, the midfield maestro broke open the match by stepping over a cross and fooling the England defenders to let Claudio Marchisio fire in from long-range in the 34th minute. "Pirlo is a player who can add quality in every area of the pitch," Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said. "Whether its a tight triangle, going far forward or whatever, he can handle himself in any area." At 35, Pirlo is a veteran of the Italy squad that won the 2006 title. Modest and quiet, his personality couldnt be farther from the brashness that the 23-year-old Balotelli displays. After England equalized two minutes later, Balotelli showed his nose for goal by attempting a sharply angled lob shot after drawing goalkeeper Joe Hart out of position in first-half added time. England defender Phil Jagielka headed away the danger but that only seemed to increase Balotellis appetite. Five minutes into the second half, the AC Milan forward finally found the target, leaping over Gary Cahill to head in by the far post following superb work down the right flank and a perfect cross from Antonio Candreva. "Im really happy. Its a special feeling," said Balotelli, who proposed to his Belgian girlfriend a few days ago. "Ive never played in a World Cup and its fantastic. I dedicate this victory to my future wife, who is here, to my family, and to my friends." Balotelli hadnt scored for Italy since October but the enigmatic striker now has 13 goals in 30 appearances for the Azzurri and has silenced any doubts about his lineup status. Ciro Immobile had been pushing Balotelli for the centre forward spot after leading Serie A with 22 goals and a hat trick in a warmup match last week against top-flight Brazilian club Fluminense. "I think he can score many more," Prandelli said. "Ive said it before. (Balotelli) has enormous potential. He needs to convince himself that his movements up front are decisive enough to finish actions. He gave everything he had but Im convinced he has margins for improvement." When Immobile replaced Balotelli in the 73rd, the crowd at the Arena Amazonia showered him with a loud applause. And when the final whistle blew, Balotelli put his finger to his lips as if to silence the criticism he routinely faces. Then he winked to a TV camera. Born in Sicily to Ghanaian immigrants and raised by Italian foster parents, Balotelli is also subjected to racism constantly back home. Before kickoff Saturday, Balotelli tweeted, "ITALIANS. Whatever squad you support, today there is only the Azzurra squad! Hate, jealousy, contempt, lets put it all aside and ALL be united!" United with Pirlo, Balotelli and Italy are tough to beat. Jose Martinez Jersey . - The Carolina Panthers believe Steve Smith lost "top-end" speed, a big reason the franchise parted ways with its all-time leading receiver. Roger Maris Jersey . Neither player was available Saturday for the Knicks 107-98 loss in Atlanta. "Were going in a different direction and weve got to figure out another spot or two for our ballclub," coach Mike Woodson said before the game. https://www.cheapcardinalsonline.com/."; Bach is in Rome for the European Olympic Committees general assembly and meetings with Pope Francis. He also visited with Italian Premier Enrico Letta. "The prime minister appeared to be interested in a bid from Italy for 24, because he has realized that the games can serve as a catalyst for development for a city and a country," Bach told The Associated Press on Saturday. Ted Simmons Cardinals Jersey . LOUIS -- St. Austin Gomber Cardinals Jersey . Raymond, 31, started 15 regular-season games for the Stamps in 2013, racking up 51 tackles. He also returned two kickoffs for 79 yards including a 61-yarder.Once considered the future of the 205lb division, former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua heads into Friday nights UFC Fight Night 33 bout against James Te Huna on a two-fight losing streak, a first for him in his illustrious 22-fight career. The question all fans want to know heading into this light heavyweight affair is will Rua display his true potential. Working with UFC welterweight fighter Demian Maias team in Sao Paulo Brazil and having training partners such as fellow UFC stand outs Fabio Maldonado and Daniel Sarafian, the 32-year old feels very well prepared for Friday nights encounter. "Im feeling very good coming into this fight." Rua told TSN.ca through a translator. While Te Huna doesnt hold the same name value as past opponents Lyoto Machida, Jon Jones or Alexander Gustafsson, the former Chute Boxe fighter believes his Australian foe is a worthy opponent. "I think hes a guy that has earned some good wins in the UFC. Hes a very aggressive fighter so it made all the sense in the world (to fight him) and its going to be a great fight." Te Hunas weakness is clearly in his ground game as all five of his losses have been by way of submission. Despite this, Rua doesnt have a specific game plan for the Athletic All-star pupil. "Well take the fight wherever it goes. The most important thing for me is to win the fight, regardless of how I do it or in which way." Many pundits have suggested win or lose that perhaps "Shogun" would have better success dropping down to the middleweight division. While he hasnt ruled out the idea, its not something that hes thinking about. "I dont get stressed about it. Its natural for fans to ask about their favourite fighter dropping down in weight. I try to educate them, but its not that simple." Fighting for the first time in Australia, Rua is using this opportunity as extra motivation for a victory on Friday. "Im excited to be here for the first time. This iss a place where the fans are really friendly and supportive of the fighters.dddddddddddd" Meanwhile for the Aussie native Te Huna, fighting one of his idols on his home soil is a dream come true. "I was a really big fan of Shogun during his PRIDE days when I first started MMA," said Te Huna to TSN.ca Interestingly enough it was the 32-year-old Te Huna who asked for this fight when he heard the Brazilian was potentially available. "I asked for the fight earlier this year and I thought it was a bit of a longshot for me with his two straight losses. Shogun has a huge fan base (in Australia); the UFC liked it and put it together." Despite Te Huna being a slight favourite in the eyes of the odds makers, hes well aware of the skill Rua can present on any given night. "A lot of people are writing him off (in this fight) but people tend to forget when hes coming off injury it takes a fight or two for him to come back strong." "Its going to be a tough match. Hes fought the "A" level guys and most of the guys Ive fought are the "B" level." In addition, the Mark Hunt trained Te Huna is well aware of his weaknesses on the mat and expects an all-out war. "Im prepared for this fight if it goes to the ground. Im going to expect everything." "I dont think Shogun is going to take any risks, he needs to win this fight. Whatever he needs to do hes going to do it. If its submissions, then hell go for it." For Te Huna, this is an opportunity of a lifetime to not only win in front of the Australian fans, but also propel him up the 205lb division. "Shoguns in the Top Ten for sure and a win against him will put me straight up there." And while title aspirations are in his sights with a win on Friday, Te Huna is going to soak this moment in, as this is one of the biggest milestones in his career. "Its an honor to share the cage with him this weekend. Its going to be huge for me." ' ' '