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Italy forward Mario Balotelli, right, celebrates with his teammate midfielder Daniele De Rossi after scoring as Denmark's Nicolai Stokholm, left and his teammate Simon Kjaer look on, during a World Cup Group B qualifying soccer match between Italy and Den Luca Bruno, Associated Press
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Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi celebrates after scoring during the World Cup Group B qualifying soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012. Antonio Calanni, Associated Press
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Italy forward Mario Balotelli, left, scores during a World Cup Group B qualifying soccer match between Italy and Denmark, in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Oct.16, 2012. Luca Bruno, Associated Press
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Italy forward Mario Balotelli reaches for the ball and score his side's third goal, during the World Cup Group B qualifying soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012. Antonio Calanni, Associated Press
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Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi, right, celebrates with his teammate Andrea Pirlo after scoring, during a World Cup Group B qualifying soccer match between Italy and Denmark, in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Oct.16, 2012. Luca Bruno, Associated Press

By Associated Press

MILAN — Mario Balotelli helped 10-man Italy to a 3-1 victory over Denmark in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday on his return to the national team.

Balotelli was in inspirational form as he created Riccardo Montolivo's opener as well as scoring Italy's final goal early in the second half.

Daniele De Rossi hit his third goal in four games in the 37th minute, while William Kvist pulled one back for Denmark in first-half stoppage time.

Italy forward Pablo Osvaldo was sent off 16 seconds into the second half for a reckless elbow into Denmark midfielder Nicolai Stokholm's face.

Italy is top of Group B with 10 points from four games.

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The Azzurri were boosted by the return of Balotelli for his first international since the Euro 2012 final loss to Spain.

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