The Azzurri slipped behind France earlier in the day after Les Bleus won 6-0 in the Faroe Islands but Roberto Donadoni's men returned to being the closest challengers to shock pool leaders Scotland thanks to goals from Andrea Pirlo and Fabio Grosso.

World champions Italy are a point behind Scotland with France a further point adrift. All three sides have two games remaining.

Opponents Georgia had little to play for except pride having already waved goodbye to any chance of qualifying for Euro 2008.

Although they never threatened Gianluigi Buffon's goal, they did make the Azzurri work for their triumph.

Georgia enjoyed the first opportunity on goal but Jaba Kankava's shot proved an easy catch for an inspired Buffon, who captained the Italians for the first time in his career.

It didn't take Italy long to take control as the visitors opted to defend and hit their rivals on the counter attack.

Luca Toni, who returned to the side after missing the last two qualifiers through injury, posed a threat to the Georgian goal and he was unlucky not to break the deadlock on the half-hour mark, with his header from Pirlo's free-kick going inches wide of the far post.

Italy's efforts were finally rewarded shortly before half-time when AC Milan playmaker Pirlo curled in a free-kick which surprised Georgia keeper Georgi Lomaia, who ought to have done better.

The hosts were happy to sit on their lead after the re-start but Georgia failed to take advantage.

Donadoni's men should have made it 2-0 on 71 minutes but Lomaia did well to keep out a Toni effort after a clever pass from Fabio Quagliarella.

The Italians picked up the tempo and struck their second of the evening on 84 minutes.

Toni's pass picked out Grosso and his left-footed shot beat Lomaia.