A goal by substitute Alberto Gilardino four minutes from the end awarded Italy with a 2-1 win over Moldova in their last match of the World Cup qualifiers.

The Azzurri, who played without most of their regulars, did not have many shots on goal but controlled the match from start to end. After a dire first half, where the Azzurri failed to break the deadlock, the Italian national side needed the magic of captain Alessandro Del Piero who caused havoc to the Moldavian rearguard before assisting Christian Vieri in the 71st minute for a simple tap-in. Everything seemed to point towards a comfortable win for Marcello Lippi’s side, but five minutes later Gatcan surprisingly equalized the score with a great shot from just outside the penalty area. Italy pushed forward for the winner which eventually arrived through Gilardino, as the Milan forward superbly converted an involuntary pass from a Moldavian defender in the 86th minute. Lippi will be pleased with the fact that his team ended the qualifiers with another win to solidify their first spot, but more importantly he will be extremely happy to see Del Piero back to his top level and Vieri back to scoring ways for the Azzurri after one and a half years, which could bide well for next year’s World Cup. Alessandro Del Piero, who was on the bench for the 1-0 victory against Slovenia last Saturday and has been told by coach Marcello Lippi his place in the World Cup squad is not guaranteed, boosted his chances of going to Germany with an excellent performance for the Azzurri. Moldova had nothing but pride to play for with Norway having already claimed the runners-up spot. Lippi made 10 changes from the starting side that beat Slovenia in Palermo. Fabio Grosso was the only player to keep his place, while Del Piero played as a withdrawn striker behind Vincenzo Iaquinta and Christian Vieri.

Italy boss Marcello Lippi is expected to make 10 changes from the side that beat Slovenia for Wednesday’s game against Moldova.

With qualification for the 2006 World Cup already secured, the tactician will use tomorrow’s match to try out a few of his reserve players. Palermo left-back Fabio Grosso is set to keep his place in the side, while Alex Del Piero will return after not featuring at the weekend. Morgan De Sanctis is being tipped to start in goal, behind a rearguard of Cristian Zaccardo, Marco Materazzi, Daniele Bonera and Grosso. Simone Barone, Daniele De Rossi and Manuele Blasi are set to be confirmed in the engine room. While Del Piero will aid the attacking duo of Christian Vieri and Udinese striker Vincenzo Iaquinta. Most eyes will be on Del Piero who many believe is in direct competition with Roma’s Antonio Cassano for a place in the final World Cup squad. "I am well used to these types of duels," stated the Juventus captain. "Even if I don’t understand why I am always involved. "There are always people out there who sponsor these things. But I have another idea, why can’t Cassano and I play together?" Although the Lecce clash is worthless to the team, the No 10 is keen to use it as a stage to demonstrate his ability. "The fact that we have already won the group is not important, this game matters to me," he continued. "I last played in the friendly against Ireland and I want to return to the side with a goal, just as I did in the first game against Moldova." When asked about Italy’s chances of success in Germany next year, Del Piero was remaining upbeat. "We are a good side, as we have been saying for some time," he stated. "Our squad is made up of players who work hard and rest little." players. Palermo left-back Fabio Grosso is set to keep his place in the side, while Alex Del Piero will return after not featuring at the weekend. Morgan De Sanctis is being tipped to start in goal, behind a rearguard of Cristian Zaccardo, Marco Materazzi, Daniele Bonera and Grosso. Simone Barone, Daniele De Rossi and Manuele Blasi are set to be confirmed in the engine room. While Del Piero will aid the attacking duo of Christian Vieri and Udinese striker Vincenzo Iaquinta. Most eyes will be on Del Piero who many believe is in direct competition with Roma’s Antonio Cassano for a place in the final World Cup squad. "I am well used to these types of duels," stated the Juventus captain. "Even if I don’t understand why I am always involved. "There are always people out there who sponsor these things. But I have another idea, why can’t Cassano and I play together?" Although the Lecce clash is worthless to the team, the No 10 is keen to use it as a stage to demonstrate his ability. "The fact that we have already won the group is not important, this game matters to me," he continued. "I last played in the friendly against Ireland and I want to return to the side with a goal, just as I did in the first game against Moldova." When asked about Italy’s chances of success in Germany next year, Del Piero was remaining upbeat. "We are a good side, as we have been saying for some time," he stated. "Our squad is made up of players who work hard and rest little."

Italy boss Marcello Lippi defended Marco Materazzi from the attacks of a large portion of the Italian media as a result of a series of horror tackles he committed this season, the last one involving Juve and Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Some pundits went as far as asking for Materazzi to be excluded from La Nazionale, but Lippi has no intention of following their lead. “Until he doesn’t commit similar actions with the national team, for me the problem doesn’t exist,” said the Italian trainer. “What one does with his club, ends in the precise moment he joins the national team,” he added. Italy will qualify for the 2006 World Cup if they win on Saturday against Slovenia. Materazzi is not expected be in the Azzurri’s starting eleven, with captain Fabio Cannavaro of Juventus, and Milan's Alessandro Nesta being the favourites to start in the centre of defense.