Mario Balotelli scored the winning goal as Italy beat a lacklustre England 2-1 on Saturday night.
Both sides entered their opening Group D game in good spirits but it was the Italians who started better with Andrea Pirlo up to his usual tricks as he bossed the opening exchanges.
Raheem Sterling started for England and he missed an early chances, whilst Danny Welbeck would also come close as the Salvatore Sirigu saved well.
Claudio Marchisio would then open the scoring after a training ground corner routine pulled off and the Juventus midfielder sent his low drive past Joe Hart.
England replied straight away when Daniel Sturridge tapped home following a cross from Wayne Rooney but Cesare Prandelli’s side would go ahead shortly after the break once more.
Balotelli it was, who was found at the back post by Antonio Candreva and he headed past his former Manchester City team-mate Hart.
Wayne Rooney would then miss a glorious chance late on as England searched for an equaliser but the Three Lions failed to test Sirigu in the final five minutes of stoppage time and the three points went to Italy.