UDINE, Italy (AP) -Daniele De Rossi scored in the 17th and 88th minutes, and defending champion Italy kept up its perfect start in World Cup qualifying with a 2-0 victory over Georgia on Wednesday night.

De Rossi put the Azzurri ahead at Friuli Stadium with a 25-yard shot into an upper corner of the net and out of the reach of goalkeeper Giorgi Loria. De Rossi got his second goal on a low shot from inside the penalty area.

Italy opened qualifying with a 2-1 victory at Cyprus on Saturday. The Azzurri are 36-0-4 at home in World Cup qualifying, winning their last 11.

"It's great to win when you're struggling," Italy coach Marcello Lippi said. "In a month, we'll be back in better condition."

Italy next plays at Bulgaria on Oct. 11.

"If we consider all the injuries we've had, to come out with two positive results is pretty good," Lippi said.

Georgia defender Kakha Kaladze, who plays for AC Milan, wore a black armband in remembrance the victims in his country's recent war with Russia.

Italy is 6-0-1 against Georgia dating to 1996. Overall, Georgia has lost eight of its last 12 World Cup qualifiers, tying three.