CHRISTIAN VIERI made a dream debut for Italy, scoring his country's 1,000th international goal as they cruised to victory over Moldova in Trieste.
Italy's fourth consecutive win in group two takes them top on 12 points, three clear of England, who beat Mexico 2-0 in a friendly at Wembley.
Gianfranco Zola, the Chelsea star who broke England's hearts at Wembley last month, was on target for the Italians again on Saturday, scoring just before the break after Paolo Maldini had opened the scoring after 25 minutes.
It was breathtaking goal from the Italian captain as he danced into the Moldovan box from the left side, weaved round three challenges and struck a left foot shot across goalkeeper Denis Romanenco into the far corner.
The effort from Zola, who was joined by Chelsea team mate Roberto Di Matteo in the starting line up, was more straight forward, following up into an unguarded net after Romanenco had parried a shot from Dino Baggic just before halftime.
