Italy may have got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a 100% record with opening wins against Cyprus and Georgia, but they were far from convincing in either match.

Cyprus 1-2 Italy

The Azzurri began their defence of the crown they won in Germany two years ago with what looked on paper like a pretty comfortable clash against Cyprus in Larnaca. Despite finishing second-bottom of their Euro 2008 qualifying group in a pool of nations which included San Marino, the Cypriots did manage four wins in their section which gave Angelos Anastasiadis a new two-year deal.

And in fairness, the home side should have recorded at least a memorable draw against the World Champions. Marcello Lippi’s side took the lead on just eight minutes through Antonio Di Natale, and it appeared as though an avalanche of goals would follow. However, after missing a glut of opportunities, Cyprus deservedly drew level on 28 minutes courtesy of Efstathios Aloneftis.

Indeed, an embarrassment looked increasingly likely and Lippi had Gianluigi Buffon and the returning Fabio Cannavaro to thank for saving his bacon on more than the odd occasion. In the end it was left for Di Natale to secure an undeserved three points for Italy, with the Udinese man scoring a last minute goal to ensure a winning start to Group 8.

Italy: Buffon; Zambrotta, Gamberini (Barzagli 4), Cannavaro, Grosso (Cassetti 18); Camoranesi, Pirlo, De Rossi, Di Natale; Toni (Gattuso 46), Gilardino

Italy 2-0 Georgia

Four days after the narrow escape against Cyprus Marcello Lippi welcomed to Udine the visit of Georgia, who are managed by former Inter Milan coach Hector Cuper. The last memories the Argentine has of Italy was his disastrous spell in charge of Parma last season, when he won only two of his ten games in charge as the Gialloblu slipped out of Serie A.

And it was another disappointing night for the 52-year-old at the Stade Friuli, which bizarrely had a stage at one end of the pitch in preparation for the forthcoming Vasco Rossi concert. But it was midfielder Daniele de Rossi who stepped up to the plate with both goals in another laborious victory for the World Champions against a team placed 77 in the Fifa rankings.

The Roma star opened the scoring in spectacular fashion on 17 minutes, when his left foot rocket from 30 yards gave Giorgi Loria no chance. Gianluigi Buffon denied the visitors an equaliser when he clawed a deflected Levan Kenia off the goal-line, and the first half fizzled out without much more event. The second half was little better in the way of entertainment, and de Rossi left it until the final minute to clinch the three points when he scored his fist ever double for the Azzurri.

Italy: Buffon; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Legrottaglie, Dossena; Pirlo (Palombo 46), De Rossi, Aquilani; Camoranesi, Toni (Iaquinta 70), Di Natale (Del Piero 56)

Republic of Ireland’s draw with Montenegro ensures Italy top the group after two fixtures. Next up is a trip to Bulgaria on October 11, followed by a home match against Montenegro four days later.