Italy beat Cyprus 3-2 - Gilardino hat-trick stuns Cyprus, Cyprus lead
2-0 at half time through Okkas and Chrysis Michael. Gilardino
completed his hat-trick in injury time to ensure the Italians completed
their qualification campaign unbeaten.
Giuseppe Rossi has warned Cyprus Italy intend to
complete their World Cup qualifying campaign in style when the two
nations meet.
The pressure is now off Italy after Marcello Lippi's team booked
their spot in next year's finals with a 2-2 draw against the Republic of
Ireland on Saturday.
The outcome means the world champions have assured themselves of a
top-place finish in Group Eight as they are four points clear of
second-place Ireland heading into the final qualifying match.
Now the aim for Italy is to end the qualifying round unbeaten.
"It will be an important test for many of us," said the Villarreal
striker. "Our aim is to win and to give a good account of ourselves.
"For me and for my team-mates, it will be an opportunity to showcase
our talent.
"From a personal standpoint, this game means a lot to me because I
played at Parma for five years, so it feels like I'm returning home."
Rossi, who did not feature at the weekend, is set to start alongside
another former Parma star, Alberto Gilardino.
Gilardino came on as a substitute against Ireland before scoring a
last-gasp equaliser.
The Fiorentina frontman will be rewarded for his heroics with Lippi
having confirmed he will make wholesale changes.
"I am going to do something that I love doing," said Lippi.
"Something different, which is to start with 11 different players with
respect to last Saturday.
"I promised my group that if we qualified with a game in hand, I
would give everyone playing time and I will maintain that promise.
"I want to see those players that have played less.
"But I will put a team that has balance to go out for the win.
"Even though the pressure is less than with respect to other games,
it is still an important match as it is an official match."
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro will return from his suspension and
will lead the Azzurri's defensive line alongside Davide Santon.
Simone Pepe and Gennaro Gattuso, who were relegated to the bench in
Dublin, will take their spots.
Cyprus will travel to Italy in buoyant mood after their 4-1 triumph
over Bulgaria in Larnaca on Saturday.
The result marked their second triumph in qualifying and left them
two points behind third-place Bulgaria.
The Cypriots have collected nine points in nine games.