Italy recorded a second consecutive win to stay on top of the table in the Euro 2012 qualifiers. This is the Italy that won in Tallinn, after being down 1-0, and that this evening repeated by winning against the Far Oer Islands 5-0, an opponent that was not very consistent and unable to come close to scoring.

Three goals in the first half by Gilardino, De Rossi and Cassano, two in the second half by Quagliarella and Pirlo and Italy finds itself leading the standings while Serbia and Slovenia tied 1-1.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has praised the new team following the team's win over Estonia. Italy were far from impressive in their Euro 2012 qualifying Group C opener but they did grind out the victory despite falling behind to Sergei Zenjov's surprise first half goal.

Antonio Cassano and Leonardo Bonucci hit back after the break to give Italy their first win in eight matches and first of this calendar year.

Prandelli said that his players are slowly developing into a cohesive unit.

The Italian under 19 failed to produce its magic as it could only muster a draw against Spain. The Under 19 team ended the second match of the European Championship round with a 0-0 tie, leaving still some hope for the semifinals and for one of the six spots at stake for the Under 20 World Cup in Colombia in 2011.

American-born forward Giuseppe Rossi and AC Milan striker Marco Borriello were dropped Tuesday from Italy's World Cup squad.

Coach Marcello Lippi also sent home goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, defender Mattia Cassani and midfielder Andrea Cossu upon announcing his final 23-man team.

Midfielder Mauro Camoranesi remained on the squad despite injuring his left knee during training Tuesday.

Alessandro Del Piero is still optimistic regarding his chances of making Italy's World Cup squad.

The 35-year-old forward was part of the Azzurri side that secured global glory four years ago.

He hopes he will be awarded an opportunity to help defend that crown in South Africa this summer, despite having not featured for his country since Euro 2008.

However, with Marcello Lippi - the winning coach from 2006 - back in charge, the Juve legend is confident the door has not been closed on his international ambitions.