Cyprus suffered a late second half capitulation against Italy as Alberto Gilardino’s late hat-trick earned Italy a dramatic victory against Cyprus.
With Italy having qualified four days prior (again, a late Gilardino goal ensured qualification against the Republic of Ireland), the match was an opportunity for Cyprus to take on one of the best sides in the world.
Marcello Lippi changed the entire Italy starting line-up from the 2-2 draw in Ireland and the Group 8 winners fell behind to goals by Yiannis Okkas and Chrysostomous Michail.
However, in the final 12 minutes Gilardino turned the game around.
The visitors broke the deadlock with only their second real chance. Okkas collected a Konstantinos Makridis cross from the left flank and beat Federico Marchetti at the far post.
Cyprus found the net again four minutes after the break with Michail’s half-volley from inside the box. Cyprus dominated possession, but that all changed after Gilardino headed Mauro Camoranesi’s cross from the right.
Three minutes later Gilardino volleyed in from short range. Italy beat Cyprus in their away qualifier with a last-gasp Antonio Di Natale strike, and Gilardino ensured history repeated itself as he got the final touch after Quagliarella’s shot from the right deflected off a defender.
However, Montenegro’s 0-0 draw in Ireland ensured Cyprus held on to fourth place