Italy took a giant step towards World Cup qualification by
beating Bulgaria in Turin.
Fabio Grosso opened the scoring in the 11th minute before his
Juventus team-mate Vincenzo Iaquinta doubled the Azzurri's lead
shortly before half-time.
The outcome sees the world champions go four points clear at
the top of Group Eight and leaves them needing just a point away
to second-placed Republic of Ireland in October to go through.
The Italians looked much improved from their fortunate 2-0 triumph
over Georgia on Saturday and closer to the sort of form which
took them to the world title in 2006.
Having struggled in front of goal in their last four games, boss
Marcello Lippi opted to start with Alberto Gilardino alongside
Iaquinta up front, relegating Giuseppe Rossi to the bench. |
