Gilardino hat-trick reels in Cyprus
Wednesday 14 October 2009
e-mail
Print
Digg
Save
Photos/Wallpapers »
Four days after securing FIFA World Cup qualification with a last-gasp Alberto Gilardino equaliser in the Republic of Ireland, the striker's late hat-trick earned Italy a dramatic victory against Cyprus, as the Azzurri fought back from two down.
All change
Marcello Lippi changed the entire Italy starting lineup from the 2-2 draw in Ireland and the Group 8 winners fell behind to goals by Yiannis Okkas and Chrysostomous Michail. However, in the final 12 minutes Gilardino turned the game around.
Cyprus goals
The visitors broke the deadlock with only their second real chance. Okkas collected a Konstantinos Makridis cross from the left flank and beat Federico Marchetti at the far post. Italy created chances through Fabio Quagliarella and Simone Pepe, but Cyprus found the net again four minutes after the break with Michail's half-volley from inside the box.
Comeback
Cyprus were having the majority of possession, but that all changed after Gilardino headed in substitute Mauro Camoranesi's cross from the right. Three minutes later Gilardino struck again, volleying in from short range. Italy beat Cyprus in their away qualifier with a last-gasp Antonio Di Natale strike, and Gilardino ensured history repeated itself as he got the final touch after Quagliarella's shot from the right deflected off a defender. However, Montenegro's 0-0 draw in Ireland ensured Cyprus held on to fourth place.
©uefa.com 1998-2009. All rights reserved.
