Aquilani gives Italy win over Montenegro

Alberto Aquilani struck twice to hand Group Eight leaders Italy a 2-1 win over a plucky Montenegro in an open World Cup qualifying game on Wednesday.

The midfielder, who replaced Riccardo Montolivo in Italy's only change from Saturday's 0-0 draw in Bulgaria, slid home his first international goal on eight minutes after goalkeeper Vukasin Poleksic had parried Simone Pepe's cross.

Mirko Vucinic, who plays in Italy with AS Roma, brought a talented Montenegro level following a counter attack but Aquilani's deflected effort on the half hour put the world champions back in front.

Italy top the group with 10 points from four games and next travel to Montenegro in March.