Football Focus Highlight

Italy took a giant step towards World Cup qualification by beating Bulgaria in Turin.

Fabio Grosso opened the scoring in the 11th minute before his Juventus team-mate Vincenzo Iaquinta doubled the Azzurri's lead shortly before half-time.

The outcome sees the world champions go four points clear at the top of Group Eight and leaves them needing just a point away to second-placed Republic of Ireland in October to go through.

The Italians looked much improved from their fortunate 2-0 triumph over Georgia on Saturday and closer to the sort of form which took them to the world title in 2006.

Having struggled in front of goal in their last four games, boss Marcello Lippi opted to start with Alberto Gilardino alongside Iaquinta up front, relegating Giuseppe Rossi to the bench.