Viktoria Plzen 0-3 Manchester City: Pellegrini's men off to flyer in Champions League

Goals from Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero gave the Premier League giants the perfect start to their European campaign in the Czech Republic on Tuesday night.

Manchester City romped to a 3-0 win at Viktoria Plzen in their opening Champions League game of 2013-14 on Tuesday night.

Edin Dzeko opened the scoring and Yaya Toure's stunning strike doubled City's lead before Sergio Aguero stunned the Czech champions with a third soon after.

Balotelli: The world should fear Italy

The AC Milan star insists the Azzurri will challenge next summer after his penalty against Czech Republic secured their place in Brazil.

Mario Balotelli claims teams should be scared of facing Italy at next summer's World Cup.

The Azzurri confirmed their place in the 2014 finals with a 2-1 in over Czech Republic on Tuesday, with Balotelli scoring the winner from the penalty spot, and the AC Milan star is bullish about his side's chances in Brazil.

"I think we're among the favourites." the 23-year-old told RAI Sport after the match.

Prandelli warns of Czech midfield minefield

The Italy boss believes Tuesday's opponents boast a variety of tactical options in the middle, although coach Michal Bilek is feeling the pressure ahead of the clash

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has warned that Tuesday’s opponents Czech Republic possess one of the finest midfields in international football.

The Azzurri will secure their place in the 2014 World Cup with three points against Michal Bilek’s side, but the 56-year-old is aware of the dangers posed by the likes of Tomas Rosicky, Petar Jiracek and Jaroslav Plasil.

"Czech Republic have one of the best midfields in the world," Prandelli told reporters.