ITALY coach Marcelo Lippi has urged his side to build on the advantage they now have at the top of Group Eight as they prepare for their next World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
The Azzurri triumphed 2-0 in Montenegro last night to move two points clear of Ireland who could only draw 1-1 at home to Bulgaria.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men travel to Bari on Wednesday and Lippi knows that victory would set the world champions well on their way to South Africa.
"Now we have two points over Ireland who drew with Bulgaria," he said. "And we have the possibility on Wednesday to build a good advantage, even if two points is already a good advantage."
Andrea Pirlo put Italy in front from the spot in the 11th minute after Radoslav Batak handled in the area, and Giampaolo Pazzini came on as a second half substitute to score on his debut.
"I'm pleased with the result," continued Lippi. "In the first half we didn't play very well, we got the gift of a penalty. We didn't deserve it but we didn't concede anything.
"In the second half the team really created a lot and did so with character. We only took one of our chances but I'm happy with the lads' performance.
"I'm especially happy for Pazzini who at the moment when he touches the ball it goes in."
Pazzini is indeed going through a purple patch, having scored 11 goals in 12 appearances since joining Sampdoria from Fiorentina in January.
And the 21-year-old admits he is enjoying a new lease of life.
"It's a really beautiful period for me," he said. "In two months my life has changed, tonight is the crowning achievement of a dream.
"I have a great relationship with everyone, they help me to fit in here, it's a great honour to be in the middle of so many champions.
"Now I don't want to talk about the past, I'm happy and I'm proud of the moment."
The only downer of the night was the sight of Antonio Di Natale being stretchered off in the 11th minute with a knee injury.
The Udinese striker faces further tests this afternoon but there are fears he could have damaged his cruciate ligament and the 31-year-old admits he is worried.
"I'm not calm, it hurts," Di Natale said last night. "I've got to be hopeful for tomorrow, I'm seeing the doctor at 1630.
"I was under pressure and my knee just gave way, I felt a really big pain."
Di Natale's injury is a blow for Lippi but even a bigger concern for Udinese who could find themselves without their leading goalscorer for the rest of the season.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men travel to Bari on Wednesday and Lippi knows that victory would set the world champions well on their way to South Africa.
"Now we have two points over Ireland who drew with Bulgaria," he said. "And we have the possibility on Wednesday to build a good advantage, even if two points is already a good advantage."
Andrea Pirlo put Italy in front from the spot in the 11th minute after Radoslav Batak handled in the area, and Giampaolo Pazzini came on as a second half substitute to score on his debut.
"I'm pleased with the result," continued Lippi. "In the first half we didn't play very well, we got the gift of a penalty. We didn't deserve it but we didn't concede anything.
"In the second half the team really created a lot and did so with character. We only took one of our chances but I'm happy with the lads' performance.
"I'm especially happy for Pazzini who at the moment when he touches the ball it goes in."
Pazzini is indeed going through a purple patch, having scored 11 goals in 12 appearances since joining Sampdoria from Fiorentina in January.
And the 21-year-old admits he is enjoying a new lease of life.
"It's a really beautiful period for me," he said. "In two months my life has changed, tonight is the crowning achievement of a dream.
"I have a great relationship with everyone, they help me to fit in here, it's a great honour to be in the middle of so many champions.
"Now I don't want to talk about the past, I'm happy and I'm proud of the moment."
The only downer of the night was the sight of Antonio Di Natale being stretchered off in the 11th minute with a knee injury.
The Udinese striker faces further tests this afternoon but there are fears he could have damaged his cruciate ligament and the 31-year-old admits he is worried.
"I'm not calm, it hurts," Di Natale said last night. "I've got to be hopeful for tomorrow, I'm seeing the doctor at 1630.
"I was under pressure and my knee just gave way, I felt a really big pain."
Di Natale's injury is a blow for Lippi but even a bigger concern for Udinese who could find themselves without their leading goalscorer for the rest of the season.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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