Italy defeated Guatemala 5-1 at the Coliseo del Pueblo in Cali in Group C thanks largely to a hat-trick from experienced forward Rodolfo Fortino.
Underdogs Guatemala started on the front foot but heavy favourites Italy found two early goals through Rodolfo Fortino and Luca Leggiero.
Guatemala then piled on the pressure in Italy's defensive half and eventually it proved to be too much as Sergio Romano failed to clear a driven cross and scored an own goal. Guatemala played the first half with urgency, often leaving their goal open when in attack in order to have a man advantage. The Guatemalans even had 84 per cent possession past the midway point of the first half.
However for all of their possession, Guatemala were not clinical enough with the final ball and found themselves back to two goals down, when Thailand 2012 adidas Silver Boot winner Fortino scored a rebounded effort from close range for Italy right before the break.
Italy gained more control of the match in the second half and frustrated Guatemala enough, showing their experience on the evening. Fortino completed his hat-trick and Leggiero found another as the Italians ended up 5-1 winners. The result meant Guatemala, making their fourth tournament appearance, lost their first two matches at a Futsal World Cup for the first time.
In their final matches in Group C on Saturday, Italy will play Vietnam in Bucaramanga while Guatemala will stay in Cali to face Paraguay.
