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.

Aiden McGeady handed the Republic of Ireland a major boost when he was declared fit for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.

GEORGIA and Bulgaria are still winless in World Cup qualifying after playing out a goalless draw which leaves both teams already struggling in Group Eight.

BULGARIA’S new coach Hristo Stoichkov has recalled defender Radostin Kishishev for their friendly against Ireland on August 18 at Lansdowne Road.