Watch: Balotelli opens scoring in 1st Italy appearance since 2014 World Cup

Mario Balotelli scored the first goal of Roberto Mancini's reign as Italy manager by netting the opener during Monday's friendly against Saudi Arabia.

Making his first appearance for the Azzurri since the 2014 World Cup, Balotelli was named to the starting XI and promptly announced his return with a thunderous strike.

Balotelli hadn't found the back of the net for Italy, who failed to qualify for this summer's World Cup, since scoring the winning goal against England in the group stage of the tournament in Brazil four years ago.