 Italy were eliminated by eventual champions Germany in the semi-finals following a 1–0 defeat.On 10 August 2010, Balotelli made his first appearance for the Italy senior team, as part of the squad announced by new head coach Cesare Prandelli, in a friendly match against the Ivory Coast, Italy's first match after the 2010 World Cup.In that match he started alongside debutant Amauri and striker Antonio Cassano in a 1–0 loss.