Italy consolidated its place at the second position in the group table after a fine 2-0 victory over Lithuania in the Euro 2008 qualifier match on Wednesday.

Coach Roberto Donadoni gave a debut start to Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella and the 23-year old grabbed his chance scoring two goals to provide Italy a comfortable win over their opponents. The win keeps Italy in touch with group leaders France ahead of the September clash between the two teams.

Italy made five changes to the team that won 2-1 against Faroe Islands on Saturday, with Zambrotta, De Rossi, Perrotta, Quagliarella and Di Natale all making to the starting line up. Any pressure to improve on its performance against Faroe Islands was absent, with Azzurri nearly taking an early lead but only for Inzaghi missing Pirlo's cross from the left wing.

Di Natale should have broken the dead lock midway through the half as he latched on to a delightful pass by Pirlo, but was unable to finish. Meanwhile Lithuania very nearly scored when Mantas Savenas' strike took a deflection, missing Buffon's far post by mere inches.

Italy took the lead in the 31st minute when Quagliarella took possession of the ball and evading Igoris Morinas smashed a left-footed drive into the net, leaving keeper Paulius Grybauskas helpless. Lithuania had two great chances to equalize but were denied both times by some excellent keeping by Buffon.

Italy doubled its lead, once again through Quagliarella just seconds before half time. The Sampdoria forward latched on to the ball inside the penalty area and drove the ball into the net and calming any nerves before half time.

Italy then sat back in the second half and absorbed the pressure exerted by the hosts. The world champions had one great chance in the 58th minute but Di Natale close ranged shot went just wide of the post. Lithuania players were limited to attempts from set pieces but were unable to hit the target. Lithuania v Italy finished with a comfortable 2-0 away win.