Italian experience pays dividends

Italy 2 - 0 Ghana 40- Pirlo; 83 - Iaquinta Andrea Pirlo and substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta were on target as Italy made a winning start to their Group E campaign against FIFA World Cup debutants Ghana in an open, entertaining encounter in Hanover. Toni strike The Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi raised eyebrows by selecting Simone Perrotta ahead of the more attack-minded Mauro Camoranesi but negativity was far removed in a free-flowing opening. Indeed, it was the AS Roma midfielder that created the first real chance on 12 minutes when his arcing cross narrowly evaded Luca Toni. The striker got better purchase on Alberto Gilardino deft flick midway through the half, rattling the crossbar with a blistering effort, but it was Ghana that were making much of the running. Kingston heroics Orchestrated by Stephen Appiah, Asamoah Gyan, Emmanuel Pappoe and Chelsea FC s Michael Essien all went close for the Africans before Pirlo broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time, collecting a pass direct from a corner and firing through a crowded penalty box. The goal rejuvenated Italy, who were far more dominant after the restart as goalkeeper Richard Kingston kept Ghana in the game with a string of saves. He could do nothing with seven minutes remaining, however, as Samuel Kuffour s back pass fell short and Iaquinta pounced to seal the points for the Azzurri. Grp E: USA 0-3 Czech Republic Grp F: Australia 3-1 Japan