Defender Frodi Benjaminsen's own goal put the home side in front after 11 minutes, Luca Toni doubled the lead on 36 minutes and Giorgio Chiellini's stunning strike four minutes before the break gave the Azzurri a commanding advantage.

CNN: Czechs defeat Cyprus to finish top

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro is suspended for the trip to Dublin and his Juventus team-mate Nicola Legrottaglie is likely to play in central alongside another club-mate Giorgio Chiellini.

BBC: Lawrence gets start for Republic