Mario Balotelli, Italy draw Brazil in Geneva friendly

Mario Balotelli (right) scored in the 57th minute for Italy.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Mario Balotelli scored a stunning goal as Italy came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Brazil in an entertaining friendly in Geneva on Thursday.

It looked as if Italy would pay for its missed opportunities when Brazil took a 2-0 halftime lead thanks to goals from Fred and Oscar.

However, Daniele De Rossi pulled one back nine minutes after the interval and the in-form Balotelli leveled with a screamer three minutes later, taking his tally to eight goals in 2013 for club and country.

Mattia De Sciglio and Alessio Cerci were given their Italy debuts with the AC Milan defender starting, while Torino winger Cerci came on at halftime.

There was a minute's silence before the game in memory of Italian sprinter Pietro Mennea, who died Thursday.