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

Italy's forward Mario Balotelli (R) anfd Saudi Arabia's defender Osama Hawsawi vie for the ball during the friendly football match between Italy and Saudi Arabia at Kybunpark stadium in St Gallen on May 28, 2018.

FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP / Getty

He's back! #Balotelli #Azzurri pic.twitter.com/Vr5zZUhmG5
— Stereo Serie A Radio 💜 (@StereoSerieA) May 28, 2018

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.