Italy fell to their third successive defeat as their Euro 2012 preparations took another hit.

Second-half goals from Alexander Kerzhakov and two from Roman Shirokov ensured Cesare Prandelli’s men have yet to win or score a goal in 2012.

However it’s not all doom and gloom for the Azzurri as they put together some fine passages of play in the first period as Mario Balotelli partnered Antonio Cassano in attack.

As ever Andrea Pirlo pulled the strings from midfield, chipping a beautiful cross in to Daniele De Rossi who squared the ball slightly too far ahead of the stretching Balotelli.

Russia captain and Arsenal exile Andrei Arshavin looked back to his best, helping Dick Advocaat’s men to drive forward in numbers.

Gianluigi Buffon had to look smart to stop Alan Dzagoev’s effort before Konstantin Zyryano and former Chelsea man Yury Zhirkov wasted good chances.

A raft of changes after the break did nothing to help Italy’s rhythm especially at the back.

Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio missed a glorious chance before Kerzhakov put Russia ahead.

Confusion between Cristian Maggio and Morgan De Sanctis allowed the Russians to double their advantage before Maggio’s deflection allowed Shirokov to add a third goal.

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