TRIESTE, Italy -- Juventus strikers
Filippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Del Piero scored two goals each
as Italy crushed Lithuania 4-0 on Wednesday to continue their
relentless march towards the World Cup finals.
Inzaghi found the net in the 17th and 63rd minutes to take
his international tally to four goals in five days following his
double strike in Saturday's 2-0 win in Romania.
Del Piero, back to his best after a difficult couple of
seasons, scored a rare header in the 49th minute and added his
second 11 minutes from time following a brilliant run down the
right from AS Roma forward Vincenzo Montella.
Montella's Roma team mate Francesco Totti, back from
suspension, created the first three goals as the Azzurri
produced a superb all-round performance.
Italy, undefeated in qualifying group eight, have 13 points
from their opening five matches -- seven clear of second-placed
Hungary. Giovanni Trapattoni's side have already played their
most difficult matches and face Georgia and Lithuania in their
next two clashes.
Romania beats Georgia to move into 2nd place
TBILISI -- Second half goals by Dorinel
Munteanu and Cosmin Contra gave Romania a 2-0 win over Georgia
in their World Cup qualifier on Wednesday to put them second in
European group eight.
Romania appeared to have lost their potential cutting edge
when Valencia striker Adrian Ilie was substituted after just 21
minutes and both teams struggled to create chances.
But when Georgia failed to fully clear a corner on 68
minutes, Munteanu latched on to a bouncing ball to fire home
from just outside the box.
Georgia did not trouble Romanian keeper Bogdan Stelea and
Contra sealed the points with a strike from long range nine
minutes from time.
Romania now have six points from four games, four behind
Italy who were playing Lithuania later. Georgia have three
points from three matches.
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