Soccer: Totti seals Italy's win in Georgia

Francesco Totti scored midway through the second half to seal Italy's 2-1 win against Georgia in their World Cup group eight qualifier.

Marco Delvecchio had given Italy the lead just before the break with a header from eight yards.

Totti scored in the 67th minute when he ran on to Domiano Tomassi's pass and beat the onrushing Georgian goalkeeper Irakly Zoidze.

Georgia's consolation came in the 78th minute when substitute Georgy Gakhokidze received a pass from the left and scored from close range.

A sell-out crowd of 25,000 watched the game at the Boris Paitchadze stadium in Tbilisi.

The game was played amid high security following the kidnapping of the brother of Georgia player Kakha Kaladze.

Georgian police were told to put on special security measures for the Italy team.

Kaladze had considered not coming back to Georgia for the match, but changed his mind. He wept as the national anthems were played before kick-off.

Italy's win secured their place at the top of the group with 16 points from six games.

"We are not yet in Japan, but made a big step forward," said Italy coach Giovanni Trappatoni.