It proved an uphill task for the Azzurri who trailed after just 30 minutes when Sergei Zenjov tapped home from close range following Salvatore Sirigu’s goalkeeping blunder. Antonio Cassano dragged his side level after the restart with a well taken header following Andrea Pirlo’s corner.
The Bari born hitman turned provider shortly after as he found Leonardo Bonucci inside the box with a splendid flick. The Juventus defender finished well to push the Azzurri towards victory underlining his habit of appearing in the right place at the right time.
Italy were left to celebrate a much needed victory and will return to the peninsula with added confidence as they prepare for Tuesday’s encounter with the Faroe Islands.
Both teams came out at an electric pace partly aided by the zippy surface due to the soggy conditions in the build up to the game. Cesare Prandelli’s men immediately imposed themselves going forward and Giampaolo Pazzini kept Sergei Pareiko busy after sending a low drive goalbound early on.
Proudly donning the captain’s armband Pirlo looked very influential in the middle of the park. Estonia were finding it difficult to pick up the Milan man and he caused havoc by spraying the ball into the path of Antonio Cassano on numerous occasions.
The home side went ahead against the run of play when Konstantin Vassiljev’s long range free kick was palmed into the path of Zenjov. The hitman had little to do in tapping home the opener, but Italy’s marking definitely left much to be desired.
As the team's went into the break it was Estonia who looked more likely to score. The deficit was clearly getting to the Azzurri and their opening patience had made way for some nervy passing.
Italy looked to storm forward after the re-start in a bid to restore parity early on. As they attacked however, the Azzurri left increasing space at the back and were exposed to the home side who expertly played on the counter attack.
Prandelli’s men were rewarded for their all or nothing approach on 50 minutes when Cassano headed home following Pirlo’s well placed corner.
The Azzurri took just four minutes to find the lead and once again had Cassano to thank for a splendid back-heeled assist into the six yard box. Bonucci found himself in the right place at the right time following Cassano's flick, and the Juventus defender slotted home coolly despite the heavy traffic inside the box.
With their noses in front Italy finally calmed down and started to control the tie, despite the spirited manner in which Estonia looked to restore parity. Prandelli was left to celebrate a morale boosting victory and the coach will have been delighted after watching his side come from behind.
The result is Italy’s first victory of 2010 and brings and end to a seven game rot spanning back to last November. The Azzurri join Serbia and Estonia at the top of Group C and will be full of confidence ahead of the Tuesday evening’s clash with the Faroe Islands.
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