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Italy held to 1-1 draw by Luxembourg in World Cup warm-up as Mario Balotelli impresses

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio runs back after scoring during a friendly World Cup preparation soccer match between Italy and Luxembourg in Perugia, Italy, Wednesday, June 4, 2014. Italy opens its Brazilian World Cup campaign against England in Group D on June 14 then faces Costa Rica on June 20 and Uruguay on June 24. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) (The Associated Press)

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli sings the national anthem ahead of a friendly World Cup preparation soccer match between Italy and Luxembourg in Perugia, Italy, Wednesday, June 4, 2014. Italy opens its Brazilian World Cup campaign against England in Group D on June 14 then faces Costa Rica on June 20 and Uruguay on June 24. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) (The Associated Press)

Italy was held to a 1-1 draw by Luxembourg on Wednesday in its final World Cup warm-up match before leaving for Brazil, with forward Mario Balotelli looking in impressive form.

Claudio Marchisio headed Italy in front in the ninth minute after a splendid assist from Balotelli but Maxime Chanot levelled five minutes from time.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli had said Balotelli would amaze with his improved form and the AC Milan forward was involved in most of the Azzurri's best moves.

He went close to scoring on several occasions as Italy dominated.

Italy departs on Thursday and will play club side Fluminense on June 8, six days before kicking off its World Cup campaign against England in Manaus.

Prandelli's side also faces Costa Rica and Uruguay in Group D.