Mexico beats Italy 2-1 in World Cup warmup

BRUSSELS (AP) - 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.