England
Joe Hart Dealt unconvincingly with Candreva’s swerving effort as Italy registered their first shot on target. Could do little to prevent either of Italy’s goals. 6/10
Glen Johnson A tad fortunate not to concede an eighth-minute penalty for a suspect handball. Followed Marchisio into the England area and left Balotelli free at the far post as the former Manchester City striker scored the winner. 6
Gary Cahill Balotelli peeled off the Chelsea defender to put Italy in front in the 49th minute. It was the only blot on any otherwise commendable performance against Balotelli. 5
Phil Jagielka The Everton defender shook off the fitness issues which plagued his end to the season and was solid alongside Cahill. 6
Leighton Baines Found himself exposed coming up against Darmian as Rooney offered little protection. Showed his naivety at international level after committing too early in attempt to block Candreva’s cross. Going forward, Baines was alert to slot Rooney through on goal. 5
Steven Gerrard The England captain wasn’t at his influential best as he appeared to be bypassed all too often. Did manage to spray a couple of trademark passes about. Turned back the clock with a burst into the box before being blocked by former Liverpool team-mate Paletta midway through the second half. 5
Jordan Henderson Produced a performance akin to many of his Liverpool displays as his energy proved important in the England midfield. Pegged back more often than he would have liked. 6
Raheem Sterling (Man of the match) Looked to settle early with a long-range effort which rustled Sirigu’s side netting. The forward sent a dangerous cross into the Italian area which had the opposition defenders scrambling to block Welbeck. Superb pass to set Rooney free for England’s leveller. Tired as England attempted to find an equaliser but his nation’s best performer. 8
Wayne Rooney Didn’t look comfortable on the left wing and failed to carry out his defensive duties as Italy sent the ball down Baines’s side on a regular basis. But the 28-year-old showed his attacking quality to guide a cross onto Sturridge’s right foot. Had a chance to score his first World Cup goal in the 63rd minute but dragged his finish the wrong side of the post. 7
Danny Welbeck Inclusion ahead of Lallana and Barkley raised eyebrows. But the Manchester United striker started brightly, carrying out his defensive duties and sending an effort wide. His deflected cross almost teed up Sturridge. 7
Daniel Sturridge The Liverpool striker was direct and moved with purpose. Showed great composure to guide Rooney’s cross past Sirigu on his weaker foot. 8
Substitutes
Ross Barkley Registered a shot within of his introduction. 5
Jack Wilshere Only real contribution was a wayward pass out of play. 5
Adam Lallana Won a free-kick in a dangerous position. 6
Italy
Salvatore Sirigu Claimed a Johnson cross to settle any nerves after being called into replace Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon. Was powerless to prevent Sturridge’s temporary equaliser. 6
Matteo Darmian The Italy right-back was afforded more space than he would have expected as Rooney struggled to contend with the Torino defender’s runs. Didn’t look as confident defending when Sterling finally tested the right-back. 8
Gabriel Paletta Fortunate to escape unpunished after casually misplacing a pass to the feet of Welbeck. Looked susceptible. 6
Andrea Barzagli Good performance from the Italy defender who looked the more assured of the two Italy centre-halves. 7
Giorgio Chiellini The towering Juventus defender played more as a left winger than a left-back. But the 29-year-old lacked the mobility of Darmian to take on Johnson and resorted to first time crosses. Penalised for a couple of shuddering mistimed tackles. 6
Marco Verratti One of Italy’s most exciting talents enjoyed a battle with England young gun Sterling throughout the Group D opener. Substituted in the second half with a yellow card hanging over his head. 7
Andrea Pirlo The experienced midfielder was influential in midfield as the World Cup winner kept Italy ticking over, particularly in the first half. Hit the woodwork with a late free-kick. 8
Daniele De Rossi A tad fortunate to escape without at least a yellow for a two-footed challenge on Rooney in the first half. The Roma midfielder helped his Italian defence cope with England’s runs from midfield. 7
Antonio Candreva The Lazio midfielder hit the post with the final kick of the first half after causing Gerrard, Henderson and Rooney a headache. Responsible for creating Balotelli’s goal as his dummy fooled Baines before whipping in a perfect cross. 8
Mario Balotelli Looked to use what scraps he was fed in the first half. When Candreva finally conjured a quality delivery, Balotelli guided a header past his former team-mate Hart. 7
Claudio Marchisio The Juventus midfielder was relatively quiet in the first half but came to life as he got on the end of a set-piece routine to fire a trademark pile-driver from outside Hart’s area. 8
Substitutes
Thiago Motta N/A
Ciro Immobile N/A