De Rossi's brace keeps Italy at the top

Another Italian victory. They played a bit better, although they are still far from putting on a convincing performance. After the 2-1 in Cyprus comes a 2-0 against Georgia, already defeated by the same margin on 13 October 2007 in the Euro 2008 qualifiers in Genoa.

Back then, with goals from Pirlo and Grosso; this time around, with two goals from De Rossi. After Ireland's draw, those two goals were enough to remain at the top of our group in the South Africa 2010 qualifiers.

INITIAL SPRINT - Italy had a strong start, perhaps eager to make up for their performance in Cyprus or maybe just eager to quickly secure the top of the group in another uncomfortable match where once again, they had a lot to lose and very little to win. They did not want to give a bad impression. Di Natale - Udine's pride - finished Toni's pass with a powerful shot that barely missed the net. The ball, slow and derisory, missed the goal caressing the post of Loria's net. The goal was just around the corner and we would only need to wait a little bit longer for it; it was a super goal with De Rossi's name on it. De Rossi's left shot from outside the area was splendid. Italy took the lead; the Azzurri shook their nerves off and in just one minute came two backheels, courtesy of Pirlo and Aquilani. Italy seemed to be having fun on the pitch. Less than a half-hour into the match, the wave broke out in the stands.