Shh: Carlos Vela scored first for the Mexicans
 
Mexico secured a 2-1 victory on Thursday in their final friendly before next week's World Cup opener over a rusty Italian side that still have work to do if they are to retain their title.

The world champions, whose previous match was a 0-0 draw with Cameroon in March, started brightly with Vincenzo Iaquinta heading against the bar in the third minute, but the harrying Mexicans then took over with far neater play.

The lively Giovani Dos Santos found Carlos Vela unmarked in the Italian penalty area and the Mexican striker comfortably scored in the 16th minute.

Veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco chipped over the Italy defence for Alberto Medina to settle the match in the 83rd minute.

Substitute Leonardo Bonucci pulled one back for Italy in a goalmouth scramble three minutes from time.

Mexico, who lost to England and the Netherlands in warm-up matches last week before thrashing Gambia 5-1, will play the opening match of the World Cup in Group A against hosts South Africa next Friday.

Italy, who take on Switzerland in their final friendly on Saturday, start their Group F campaign against Paraguay on June 14.