Italy, Ireland consolidate Group 8 positions

Stephen Sharp - 5 September 2009 23:10

Italy manager Marcello Lippi was unhappy, but willing to take the three points.

Italy remained in pole position in Europe World Cup qualifying Group 8 with a 2-0 win over Georgia. The Republic of Ireland remained a point behind with a 2-1 win at Cyprus, and Bulgaria won 4-1 against Montenegro.

Georgia 0-2 Italy

Italy might have come away with only a draw from this one, but Kakha Kaladze twice put into his own net to give the Azzurri three points to keep them top of the group.

The first half was a fairly tame affair, but Kaladze headed a shot by Angelo Palombo into his own net while trying to steer it for a corner. Kaladze's misfortune struck again 11 minutes later when he hit a cross from Domenico Criscito back into his own net.

Italy later hit the post through Fabio Quagliarella, but held on for three points.

Cyprus 1-2 Republic of Ireland

Ireland remained a point behind Italy, although they have played one more game, thanks to a win over Cyprus.

Kevin Doyle put the visitors in front after just five minutes when Kevin Doyle struck in after a corner, but Marios Elia brought the Cypriots level on the half-hour with a wonderful strike.

But Robbie Keane rescued the points for the Irish seven minutes from time as he headed home a cross from Damien Duff.

Bulgaria 4-1 Montenegro

Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic gave Montenegro a stunning lead after nine minutes, but ex-Charlton Athletic defender Radostin Kishishev pulled Bulgaria level on the stroke of half-time.

Dimitar Telkiyski put Bulgaria in front for the good in the 48th minute, and a late penalty by Dimitar Berbatov and a goal from Valeri Domovchiyski put it away late.