Kaladze calamities gift Italy victory

Georgia defender Kakha Kaladze's international comeback ended in calamity as he scored two own goals to keep world champions Italy top of Group 8.

Rough justice
Playing his first competitive game since undergoing knee surgery in March, the AC Milan defender was beset by misfortune, heading into his own net after 57 minutes as he tried to fend off Angelo Palombo's long-range shot and then inadvertently chipping Domenico Criscito's low ball past goalkeeper Georgi Lomaia ten minutes later.

Packed midfield
It was hard on Georgia, who had matched Italy in the first half, with their three holding midfielders ghosting plenty of balls to their wingers and lone striker Vladimer Dvalishvili. Chances, though, were hard to come by for both sides. Georgia left-back Amiran Sanaia had a decent effort from distance while Mauro Camoranesi missed the target with a header from a corner.

New record
Kaladze's calamitous double took the wind from Georgia's sails, although Italy might have conceded an own goal of their own had Gianluigi Buffon not been alive to Giorgio Chiellini's header. Giuseppe Rossi and Vincenzo Iaquinta hit the post later on for Italy with Georgia's only consolation coming as Hector Cúper sent on 16-year-old FC Spartak Moskva midfielder Jano Ananidze to become the youngest international in the country's history. Italy will move four points clear at the top of the section if they beat Bulgaria on Wednesday.