Italy edged closer to qualification for the 2010 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bulgaria in Turin, with Fabio Grosso and Vincenzo Iaquinta scoring the goals.

The Azzurri came into this game knowing that a win would put them four points clear of second-placed Ireland, with only two games remaining, ahead of the big meeting in Dublin next month. Bulgaria, meanwhile, desperately needed a result to give them a chance of earning a playoff spot.

Italy made a number of changes from the dour 2-0 weekend win in Georgia. Daniele De Rossi returned from suspension, Grosso replaced Domenico Criscito at left back, while Claudio Marchisio and Alberto Gilardino also started.

Andrea Pirlo was pushed forward into his old trequartista position, but in total there were seven Juventus players on the pitch. Bulgaria were pinning their hopes on Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov, who led the attack.

Italy made a strong start, with Marchisio firing straight at Dimitar Ivankov at the back post and Gilardino just failing to connect on Grosso's inviting cross.

On 10 minutes Italy took the lead with a fantastic goal from Grosso. The Juventus full-back, playing on his new home ground, combined with Pirlo who lifted a delightful chipped pass into his path, and Grosso thumped the ball past Ivankov.

It should have been 2-0 moments later as Zambrotta was put clean through on goal, and cut back to provider Iaquinta who miss-kicked on an open goal.

Italy were in complete control, and were relishing the 4-3-1-2 formation, but they were almost caught on the counter midway through the half, only for Dimitar Rangelov to shoot tamely at Gianluigi Buffon.

Bulgaria should have had an equaliser on 26, but for a simply miraculous save by Buffon. The goalkeeper somehow clawed the ball out of the top corner from Stilian Petrov's header. It was a save that not even superman could have made!

Chances continued to come at both ends, as both De Rossi and Stilian Petrov fired inches wide, while Iaquinta twice headed off target from close range.

On 39 minutes, Italy doubled their lead with another brilliant goal. Some intelligent movement off the ball culminated in Iaquinta playing a one-two with Gilardino before burying his finish past Ivankov.

This result means that group leaders Italy only require a draw in their penultimate game in Dublin against Ireland in order to qualify for the finals in South Africa. Third-placed Bulgaria, meanwhile, need a miracle just to get a playoff berth as they are five points behind the Irish with just two games remaining.

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ITALY

Buffon- 9: Did not have too much to do on the whole, but at 1-0 Buffon produced a contender for save of the year with a simply impossible stop from Stilian Petrov. That save alone earns Buffon a 9.

Zambrotta- 6.5: Does not have the legs to penetrate down his side any more, although he did create one golden chance for Iaquinta. Sound defensively.

Cannavaro- 8: Cannavaro's form this season so far has been 2006-like. Read the game superbly, and executed some superb tackles and interceptions.

Chiellini- 7: Continued his strong partnership with club colleague Cannavaro, winning everything in the air and competing as always.

Grosso- 8.5: Grosso rarely fails to perform in a blue shirt, and it was no different tonight. Scored the first with a great finish, and started the move for the second.

Camoranesi- 7: Added a nice creative touch in the three-man centre midfield, and displayed some silky dribbling skills.

Marchisio- 8: Extremely impressive in the middle-of-the-park. Gave Italy some much needed youthful energy that they have so sorely missed recently. Shot just wide on 65 minutes.

De Rossi- 7: Sat deep and gobbled up possession. Not vintage De Rossi, but still a more than solid showing from the Roma man. Almost scored on 27 minutes.

Pirlo- 7.5: Pushed forward into the trequartista role he started his career in, and he didn't disappoint. A genius chipped pass for Grosso's opener.

Iaquinta- 7.5: Could be more clinical in front of goal, but Iaquinta's workrate and running caused Bulgaria all kinds of problems. Deservedly got on the scoresheet, on another night he would have had a hat-trick.

Gilardino- 6.5: Worked hard up-front, and provided the assist for Iaquinta's goal by combining wonderfully with the Juventus man.

Substitutes
Rossi- 6.5: Lively after his introduction, testing the goalkeeper on a few occasions.

Pepe- 6: Made little impact.

D'Agsotino- N/A:


BULGARIA
Ivankov- 6: Could do little to stop Grosso and Iaquinta, but did make one good save from Rossi.

Manolev- 5: Struggled badly against Grosso in the first half, and was partly at fault for both goals.

Stoyanov- 5: Had trouble against Iaquinta, who pulled him around all over the place.

Angelov- 6: Perhaps the best of the Bulgaria backline, with a few galloping runs forward.

Kishishev- 5: Outwitted by Camoranesi's trickery, and also allowed Zambrotta to get in behind him in the first half.

Sarmov- 6: Made little impact on the match did the Levski Sofia man.

Yankov- 6: Was very fired up, perhaps too fired up as he left gaps for Italy to pour through the midfield.

S.Petrov- 7: Bulgaria's best player, the Aston Villa man was productive, inventive, and would have scored but for Buffon's miracle save.

M.Petrov- 6: A few quick breaks down the left flank, but his impact was limited and he tired before his substitution.
 
Berbatov- 4.5: Just like in the first game between the sides, Berbatov seemed completely disinterested at times. Can be so frustrating to watch.

Rangelov- 6.5: Had a few moments in the first half, firing straight at Buffon and heading wide, but disappeared after the break.

Substitutes

Bojinov- 6.5: Lively, and could have pulled one back.

Georgiev- 6: Hit a free kick just wide.

Domochiyski- N/A: