ITALY made their reservations for the World Cup finals in South Africa last night after a dramatically improved performance against Bulgaria in Turin.

Andrea Pirlo has kept his place in the team for Italy's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria tonight.

Bulgaria boss Stanimir Stolinov sent his big guns into battle with the Republic of Ireland as he looked to rekindle hopes of World Cup qualification.

TOM HUDDLESTONE and Mark Noble grabbed the goals in soggy Sofia as England Under-21s continued their perfect start to Euro 2009 qualification last night.