* Italy on verge on qualification after 2-0 win
* Grosso and Iaquinta score in improved display
(adds details, quotes)
TURIN, Italy, Sept 9 - Italy moved within a point
of World Cup qualification after superb goals from Fabio Grosso
and Vincenzo Iaquinta sealed an entertaining 2-0 win over
Bulgaria in Group Eight on Wednesday.
The world champions, who put on a much improved display
compared to recent matches, are now four points clear of
second-placed Ireland and with two to play and need just a draw
against the Irish in Dublin on Oct. 10 to progress.
Left back Grosso, drafted back into the side after
Saturday's uninspiring 2-0 win in Georgia, opened the scoring
after 11 minutes when he volleyed in off the bar following
Andrea Pirlo's delightful dink into the box.
World Cup winner Grosso had played the ball to Pirlo before
charging into the area and coolly scoring on his first
appearance at his new home ground having signed for Juventus
last week.
Striker Iaquinta, another of the seven Juve players to start
for Italy, then finished off another neat one-two involving
Alberto Gilardino five minutes before the break.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi had come in for criticism for a
string of dull performances and was pleased to finally win with
style, even though captain Fabio Cannavaro was booked and will
miss the Ireland game.
"In the first half it was a spectacle and it was
entertainment," he told Rai television.
"There was a lot of technical quality and two splendid
goals. We are not at the top of our game, some other teams are
ahead of us but we have controlled the match."
MORE URGENCY
His side generally had much more urgency and Juve's Claudio
Marchisio did a good job in the problem left midfield spot
having seen the birth of his child and recovered from a thigh
knock in time to make his second cap.
The defeat means Bulgaria can no longer win the group while
they lie five behind Ireland and their chances of grabbing
second spot and a playoff place are very remote.
Italy's most attacking display of the last few months meant
the Azzurri left gaps at the back but Bulgaria lacked conviction
when it mattered despite having several chances.
The visitors thought the ball had crossed the line when
Gianluigi Buffon clawed out Stilian Petrov's first-half effort
following a corner but replays were inconclusive.
Valeri Bojinov also hit the post after a defensive mix-up.
(Writing by Mark Meadows in Milan; Editing by Kevin Fylan; To
query or comment on this story email
sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)