Italy got the qualifying campaign back on track with a vital win that keeps pressure on Wales.
Pippo Inzaghi, Gennaro Gattuso and Alessandro Del Piero were all injured, but Francesco Totti and Christian Vieri returned to the Azzurri fold after fitness worries. Italy started well and scored after 5 minutes, Totti's cross being turned in by Vieri at the back post.
Finland struggled to cope with the azzuri and on a rare forry upfiled they left them themselves open to a counter attack - Totti collected the ball and a quick pass with the outside of his foot set Vieri running inside his own half and the Inter hero netted with a delicate lob. The half continued in the same pattern and Italy were denied a penalty only by the linesman's flag.
Finland had a stronger start to the second half as Italy seemed to sit back and after five minutes Gianluigi Buffon made his first - difficult - save on Nurmela's volley. Normal service was then resumed as Italy poured forward and Vieri was denied a hat trick by some frantic defending.
So an excellent result and a good, attacking performance. Bring on the Welsh!
Elsewhere Milan have signed Paulo Maldini for a further two years, surely ending in a coaching role at the club, although he says he may play on after that two year deal expires! There is a new role due to be taken on by the retiring Leonardo. The Brazilian will act as assistant to Galliani, the Vice President. His role will be to act as go-between between players and irsctors, to smooth out any potential discord. One new recruit he may have to deal with is Rafael van der Vaart the young Ajax star who claims a move to the San Siro is imminent, brokered by Marco van Basten. A good move for Milan but will the youngster be able to break into a strong first team? Maybe a loan deal to Rangers is the answer!!!