Totti happy with Del Piero partnership

The Azzurri strike duo were both on the scoresheet in the impressive 2-0 win in Finland on Wednesday, and the Roma star felt it was very much a team effort.

"I'm happy for the result and for my goal, but we knew the three points were fundamental in this match," he said afterwards.

"It has been a good match. We hope to continue in this way because we can't miss the European Championships.

"There were 12 months we (he and Del Piero) didn't play together. We have been good, but this result has been deserved by the whole team, who arrived here with the right spirit and a good approach to the match.

"Finally, we can now think about our holidays."

Coach Giovanni Trapattoni was delighted to close the gap on Group Nine leaders Wales, particularly with Serbia & Montenegro losing against Azerbaijan.

"The first place isn't a dream," he revealed. "With these conditions, and the players fit, we can hope to achieve this aim.

"We knew Finland could have a quick start, but then Totti's and Del Piero's pearls put the seal on a deserved win."