Filippo Inzaghi continued his recent good form with two goals in Italy's nervous 2-1 win over the Faroe Islands in a Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday.
The world champions have 13 points from six matches in Group B, trailing leaders France by two points.
Striker Inzaghi, who scored both goals in AC Milan's 2-1 European Cup final win over Liverpool last week, brought down Andrea Pirlo's long pass in the box and prodded home on 13 minutes.
The 33-year-old then netted his 25th international goal when he headed in Aimo Diana's deep cross just after halftime.
The Faroe Islands produced some neat football to belie their world ranking of 185 and they gave the world champions some late scares after Rogvi Jacobsen nodded home on 77 minutes.
The Italians, who were missing several players through injury and gave a debut to 32-year-old Roma left back Max Tonetto, laboured in the wind and driving rain but could still have scored several more.
Inzaghi could have opened the score in the third minute when he shot wide from inside the penalty box and could have added to his tally in the 25th minute when he was wide with a diving header.
Jacobsen, who makes his living working as a full-time carpenter, became the hero to the 6,000-strong crowd after scoring his sixth career goal for the home side.
Substitute Christian Holst came close to snatching a draw for the Faroese when he sent a header just over the crossbar after a corner in the 76th minute and forced a diving save from keeper Gianluigi Buffon in the dying moments of the match.
The islanders' good display has given them confidence for Wednesday's home match against Scotland despite propping up the group table with zero points.
FRANCE GO ON TOP
Second-half goals by Franck Ribery and Nicolas Anelka gave France a 2-0 victory over Ukraine on Saturday and top spot in Euro 2008 qualifying Group B.
Olympique Marseille midfielder Ribery struck in the 57th minute after being set up by Claude Makelele.
Bolton Wanderers striker Anelka then added the second goal with a superb volley from inside the box.
Victory gave World Cup runners-up France 15 points from six games, two clear of Italy who beat Faroe Islands 2-1. Ukraine are third, level on points with Scotland on 12.
With 19-year-old Samir Nasri in a class of his own in midfield, France were dangerous from the start.
Nasri's delicate turns and sharp pace made him a handful throughout for Ukraine's defence.
The Marseille midfielder, voted the league's best young player this season, set up Anelka in the 50th minute only for the striker to be denied by keeper Oleksander Shovkovsky.
Anelka had another opportunity to open the scoring two minutes later but his low shot was blocked by Shovkovsky.
France finally broke through when Makelele caught the defence off guard to set up Ribery, who dribbled round the keeper before slotting the ball into an empty net.
Anelka then put the result beyond doubt 19 minutes from time.
PORTUGAL SINK BELGIUM
A second-half goal by Helder Postiga earned a 2-1 win over Belgium to maintain Portugal's push for Euro 2008 qualification and virtually end the hosts' chances.
However, Portugal's victory was tainted after their coach Luiz Felipe Scolari failed to appear for the post-match press conference, suffering from illness.
Portugal -- who had Hugo Almeida sent-off in injury time -- have 14 points from seven matches in Group A, five behind leaders Poland. Serbia also have 14 after beating Finland, who have 11. Belgium remain on seven points.
Manchester United's new signing Nani put Portugal in front against the run of play in the 43rd minute, cutting in from the left before firing home. He rounded off a memorable week by adding the man of the match award.
Belgium deservedly equalised in the 54th with a Marouane Felliani strike before Postiga rifled home from 25 metres nine minutes later.
© 2024 Rediff.com -