Italy packs potent one-two punch

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 soccer pitch - and off it. Together they provide Italy with two distinct weapons, and on Saturday both stood out in a 2-1 win over England at the World Cup.

Pirlo set up Italy's opening goal without even touching the ball and Balotelli headed in the winner early in the second half. Pirlo then nearly scored himself in stoppage time, slamming a free kick from 30 meters off the top of the crossbar.