ITALY PROGRESS TO THE SECOND ROUND

(AAP) Italy recorded a 2-0 victory over 10-man Czech Republic in their final Group E fixture in Hamburg to secure top spot and eliminate the number two ranked side from the tournament.

A 26th minute goal from substitute Marco Materazzi gave Italy a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Materazzi, who replaced injured defender Alessandro Nesta in the 17th minute, rose highest to head home his first ever goal for his country from a Totti corner.

Nesta's troublesome muscle injury flared up again and he hobbled off.

The Czechs were reduced to 10-men in stoppage time before the interval when Jan Polak was sent off for a foul on Francesco Totti, his second yellow card.

The game was wrapped up for the Azzurri in the 87th minute when substitute Filippo Inzaghi beat the off-side trap to round Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech and slot the ball into an empty net.

Although not a convincing win, Italy controlled the majority of the match. Francesco Totti was showing some form, but it was obvious that the AS Roma star is not at his best. Andrea Pirlo starred once again for the Azzurri, with Grosso, Cannavaro and Zambrotta all having strong games. Gianluigi Buffon came out on top in the duel of the world's two best goalkeepers.