Soccer-Balotelli brace helps Italy beat brave Malta

TA'QALI, Malta, March 26 (Reuters) - Mario Balotelli extended his rich vein of scoring form as he hit a brace to inspire Italy to a 2-0 win over a spirited Malta team in a World Cup Group B qualifier on Tuesday. Balotelli gave Italy an eighth-minute lead with a well-taken penalty after Malta defender Luke Dimech floored Stephan El Shaarawy in the penalty area. Malta had a two excellent ...