Italy netted a much-needed 3 points as they beat Ukraine 2-1 in their UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifier on Wednesday at the Olympic stadium in Kiev. Antonio Di Natale was the hero for Italy as it was his brace that clinched the decisive win.

Andriy Shevchenko was the star of the game as his quick moves were a constant threat to the Italian defence. The Chelsea striker electrified the home crowd with his flawless display, but was unable to prevent his side from going down.

Early on his 25-metre free-kick beat Italy custodian Gianluigi Buffon, but the shot hit the crossbar. Sheva continued to trouble Buffon who was forced to make a couple of fine saves midway through the first half. However in typical fashion, it was Italy who took the lead as Di Natale nodded in an Andrea Pirlo cross just four minutes before the break.

Ukraine goalkeeper Olexandr Shovkovskiym was called into action soon after the restart as he had to save Di Natale's header off a Vincenzo Iaquinta pass. However Shevchenko continued to pose a constant threat to the Italian goal and was finally rewarded on 71 minutes when he swept the ball pas a hapless Buffon.

But it was Buffon who had the last laugh when Di Natale struck in the 77th minute following a neat pass from Massimo Ambrosini. Italy coach Roberto Donadoni was delighted with the win. "We had a few difficult moments, especially in the first half, but we stuck with our game plan and it worked," he told reporters.

Italy are on the second spot in Group B with 20 points from nine games, while Ukraine are on the fourth spot with 13 points from eight matches.

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