Udinese and Azzurri striker Antonio Di Natale is ecstatic with his brace against Cyprus and thanked Italy coach Marcello Lippi...

Italy started their World Cup defence by winning 2-1 in their qualifier against Cyprus. However, the Azzurri were lucky to leave Lernaca with a victory, and they have Di Natale to thank for the win.

The striker scored a well-taken brace but admitted that Cyprus put the World Champions under plenty of pressure throughout the match. The Italian back-line looked disorganised at times and committed a few howlers during the match, including the goal that resulted from Marco Cassetti's failure to clear the ball and later when Fabio Cannavaro conceded possession in his own half that resulted in a break-away.
 
"Italy won, but it was not a success that was fully deserved after a trial with so many flaws, especially in defence," Di Natale told RAI after the match. "It was a difficult game. Physically they were better and put us in difficulty. However, with some luck we managed to bring home the result."
 
Di Natale scored the winner in the 92nd minute, but the Italians struggled to break down the Cyprus defence all game long. The former Empoli player was a favourite of ex-Italy manager Roberto Donadoni and is pleased Marcello Lippi is giving him a chance as well.
 
"Lippi? He is giving me confidence and I will try in every way to give a hand to the national team," he explained.
 
Italy's next qualifying match is against Georgia on Wednesday, when they will play at Di Natale's home ground, the Stadio Friuli in Udine.