But it was Joel Campbell, the striker at the other end who was catching the eye more frequently. Even under the claustrophobic attentions of the Italian defence, the young forward on Arsenal’s books was still fizzing on the ball, far more effective than the increasingly isolated Balotelli, who disappeared before the end in a fug of petulance.
In the 42nd minute, from a quick through ball, Campbell at last found himself free of blue-shirted attention. He ran direct at the Italian back line, spinning two defenders as he went. One of them, Giorgio Chiellini collided with him as they tracked back. From the stands it looked a clear penalty.
Actually, it was stonewall if observed from the moon. But the loud Costa Rican claims were rejected by the referee Enrique Osses of Chile, to the huge displeasure of Pinto, who looked in imminent danger of self-combustion on the touchline.
Justice, however, was done a moment later. Diaz swept a deep ball across the Italian box to the far post, where the man of the match Ruiz, loaned out by Fulham last season to PSV Eindhoven, met it perfectly. His header bounced down off the crossbar and back into play. But it had clearly crossed the line. In the second half Italy strived to gain a hold on the game. Prandelli made a series of substitutions seeking to inject some dynamism into his side.
But with Pirlo restricted, Balotelli sulking and the referee disinclined to give any free-kicks, whatever the scale of the subterfuge, nothing came their way.
Italy now need a point against Uruguay to progress.
While the Costa Ricans, who celebrated on the pitch as if the trophy was heading home to Central America, can plan joyously for the next stage.
Before that they face England and Roy Hodgson will not be confident.
Match details
Italy (4-1-2-2-1): Buffon 5; Abate 5, Chiellini 5, Barzagli 5, Darmian 6; De Rossi 6; Motta 5 (Cassano 45), Pirlo 5; Marchisio 5 (Cerci 69), Candreva 4 (Insigne 55); Balotelli 4.
Subs: De Sciglio, Sirigu, Perin, Aquilani, Immobile, Parolo, Bonucci, Paletta, Verratti.
Booked: Balotelli.
Costa Rica (5-2-2-1): Navas 7; Diaz 7, Umana 6, Gonzalez 6, Duarte 6, Gamboa 6; Tejeda 6 (Cubero 67), Borges 6; Bolanos 7, Ruiz 8 (Brenes 79); Campbell 7 (Urena 73)
Subs: Acosta, Myrie, Barrentes, Francis, Granados, Pemberton, Miller, Calvo, Cambronero.
Booked: Cubero.
Attendance: 40,285
Referee: Enrique Osses (Chile).
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