Italy flashed their World Cup credentials by beating England in their Group D opener this morning, according to match-winner Mario Balotelli.

The AC Milan hitman nodded home a 50th-minute winner as the Azzurri opened their account with a 2-1 victory over Roy Hodgson's side in Manaus.

Now, Balotelli believes that Italy can further improve in the tournament and warns their rivals that they should fear Cesare Prandelli's men.

"We will go step by step from here, England are a good team. We played well, struggling in the heat, but it was important to win," he told reporters at full time.

"All teams are worth fearing but now everyone else must also fear us."

Next up for Italy is a clash with Costa Rica on Thursday, who also enjoyed victory at the first attempt by beating Uruguay 3-1.