Mario Balotelli struck a second-half winner as Italy outlasted England with a 2-1 victory in the sapping Amazon heat in their World Cup Group D clash on Saturday night.

Claudio Marchisio opened the scoring at the Arena Amazonia stadium in the 35th minute with a fizzing low drive that gave Joe Hart no chance.

Daniel Sturridge equalized two minutes later by slotting in from close range.

But AC Milan striker Balotelli regained the Azzurri's advantage by heading in at the far post just after halftime.

Italy controlled the tempo early as England surprisingly allowed Andrea Pirlo the freedom to roam and link well with Marchisio, Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Candreva.

When Roy Hodgson's team did have possession, they looked the more likely to score. Danny Welbeck was sprightly on the right wing while Jordan Henderson instigated much of the side's build-up play.

Raheem Sterling provided England's best scoring chance in the first half-hour with an inviting cross from the left which Sturridge failed to reach in time.

Balotelli was barely sighted early but announced his presence with a powerful shot over the bar after being fed by Marchisio.

Italy finally broke the deadlock when Pirlo stepped over a corner kick, allowing Marchisio to drive into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area.

England responded almost immediately when Sturridge tapped in after Wayne Rooney's sumptuous cross from the left.

The goals sparked both sides into action. But it was Italy who looked most like taking the lead in the final minutes before halftime.

Balotelli came close when his angled lob sailed over the bar, then Candreva blasted his shot against the post.

Italy resumed where they left off after halftime and Balotelli made it 2-1 when he nodded in Candreva's curling cross from the right flank.

The Amazonian heat took its toll on both teams with gaps opening up where they previously did not exist.

Wayne Rooney, who as expected played in a deeper role, began to assert greater influence as Italy's legs tired.

He had the chance to equalize just after the hour but could only manage to drag his shot wide after Leighton Baines' pass.

Ross Barkley came on for Welbeck on the hour and made an immediate impact.

The 20-year-old Everton midfielder surged forward before running around his marker and forcing a diving save from Salvatore Sirigu, a late replacement for the injured Gianluigi Buffon.

England continued to press and Sirigu was again called into action by Baines' curling shot over wall.

But Cesare Prandelli's side defended stoically as both teams pushed themselves to the point of exhaustion in the final minutes.

Andrew Pirlo, seemingly averse to the conditions with a typically assured performance at the heart of Italy's midfield, almost made it 3-1 but his dipping injury-time free-kick cannoned off the crossbar.