But they started shakily, keepr Hans-Jorg Butt and defender Daniel van Buyten furiously exchanging words after almost letting in AlbertoGilardino to score.
Italy ended the first half in the ascendency but Lippi - knowing a win was of paramount importance - was still proactive at the break, bringing on Antonio di Natale and Mauro Camoranesi for AlbertoGilardino and Simone Pepe.