WC warmup: Mexico beat Italy 2-1

Brussels: Carlos Vela and Alberto Medina exposed a slow, ragged Italy defense to give Mexico a 2-1 victory over the World Cup holder on Thursday in a major boost ahead of next week's opening match of the tournament.

Vela took a high pass from Giovani in the center and without any serious challenge was able to line up a drive from 12 meters out that gave goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon no chance in the 16th minute.

Ten minutes from time substitute Medina beat Italy's offside trap, and from a tight right angle beat Buffon with a drive.

Italy pulled one back in the 89th when defender Leonardo Bonucci scored from close range after Salvatore Bocchetti hit the post.