Italy kept group Eight top spot after registering a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Montenegro in a 2010 world cup qualifier on Wednesday. Alberto Aquilani's brace was sufficient for the Azzuri to overcome their rivals, who put up a noticeable struggle. Apart from giving his country a pivotal win, the promising midfielder netted his first goals on the international stage. The AS Rome player scored an early opener on 8 minutes. Ten minutes later, Montenegro leveled when Mirko Vucinic scored from a successful counter attack The world Champions regained the lead when the 24-year-old tucked in his second on 28 minutes to ensure first rank with 10 points. Elsewhere, Robbie Keane scored a precious winner in Cyprus to help Ireland gain much-needed three points. The Liverpool newly-signed hitman connected from point-blank range with Damien Duff's inch-perfect cross only five minutes after the kickoff. Having scored, Keane has extended his Ireland all-time scoring record of 36 goals. On top of that, Ireland laid to rest the ghost of their scandalous 5-2 loss to Cyprus, who had the upper hand for a while during the first half of Wednesday's game. Second-placed Ireland are now trailing Italy by three points. Earlier on the same day, penultimate Georgia drew 0-0 with Bulgaria in a dull match.
