Newcomer lifts Italy

Fabio Quagliarella, making his first start for Italy, netted two goals in the first half as Italy coasted to a 2-0 victory over host team Lithuania yesterday evening. He scored at the 31 minute mark and again right before halftime.

Head coach Roberto Donadoni appeared to make the right move after much discussion regarding Francesco Totti and the injured Luca Toni.
Big win for Italy
Quagliarella doubles up

The victory avenges an early tie with Lithuania in the first game of qualifying last Septmeber. That result lead to immediate calls for Donodoni's removal as head coach. After a loss to France in the next game, Italy has completed five straight victories to move into second place in Group B, two points behind France and one point ahead of Scotland. Only the top two teams will make it into the Euro2008 tournament from each group.

Quagliarella repeated the same recent pattern by scoring both of Italy's goals inthe game. In the previous two games, Luca Toni (v. Scotland) and Filippo Inzaghi (v. Faroe Islands) scored two goals for Italy. He plays in the Serie A for UC Sampdoria.
Euro2008 standings
Game photos