Balotelli was in inspirational form in creating Riccardo Montolivo's opener as well as scoring Italy's final goal early in the second half as Italy recorded its 34th match without defeat in qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championship.

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.

"I am happy for two reasons," Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said. "First, because we risked a lot but we tried to steal the ball in the first 20 minutes — I really liked this push by the group.”

Italy is top of Group B with 10 points, four more than second-place Bulgaria, with both having played four games. Denmark is second from bottom with two points from three games, AP reported.