 On 7 June 2013, Balotelli was sent-off in a 0–0 draw with the Czech Republic in Prague.On 10 September 2013, Balotelli scored the winning goal in a World Cup qualifying match against the Czech Republic in Turin which allowed Italy to clinch the first place spot in their qualifying group and ultimately achieve their objective of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.Balotelli finished the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign as Italy's top scorer with five goals.