Balotelli scores a masterpiece on his return to the Italian team

The four-time world champions are Saudi Arabia's training camp for the 2018 World Cup, having been sidelined by the world's top tournament after losing to Sweden in the play-off round.

Roberton Mancini, in his first match in charge of the national team, introduced many young faces, in which the defense was almost completely renewed with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, Alessio Romagnoli playing center back with Leonardo Bonucci, and the two wings were Domenico Criscito and Davide Zappacosta.

The most notable return to the Italian squad this time belongs to Mario Balotelli. The former Inter player was not valued by the previous two Italian coaches, Antonio Conte and Giampiero Ventura. He has not been called up for the national team for four years, since the 2014 World Cup.

However, under Mancini, everything changed. The 27-year-old striker was not only recalled but also scored with a classy finish.

In the 21st minute, the tallest player in the Azzurri's 4-3-3 formation confidently dribbled the ball between three defenders in white. After bringing the ball to his strong foot, the Nice striker finished from a distance of 20 meters. The ball went straight into the near corner, leaving the Saudi goalkeeper unable to dive.

Balotelli's goal made things easier for Italy, who had taken the initiative and launched several attacks before. The blue team played leisurely, and doubled the gap in the 69th minute.

Originating from a corner kick, the Saudi Arabian defender failed to clear the ball decisively, allowing substitute striker Andrea Belotti to swoop in and score from close range.

Mancini's players played complacently after taking the lead. In the 72nd minute, they lost the ball in midfield and Saudi Arabia immediately punished Italy with a quick counter-attack, ending with an easy finish from Yahya Al-Shehri.

The Asian representative could have earned a draw, if substitute striker Fahad Al-Muwallad had successfully capitalized on an Italian defender's poor pass in the 79th minute.

2-1 was the final score, giving Italy confidence to enter the next friendly match against France, while Saudi Arabia prepares to host Peru. At the 2018 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is in the same group with the host team Russia, Uruguay and Egypt.