HANNOVER, Jun 12 (SW) - The Italians began their 2006 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over debutants Ghana, with goals from Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta.

In the opening phase, neither side was particularly strong but after about six minutes, the Italians increased their pressure. Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingston looked weak in several occasions but this was not taken advantage of.

The first yellow card went to Daniele De Rossi in the 10th minute, for a late challenge on Michael Essien.

The 'Azzurri' almost opened the score in the 12th minute when a low cross from the right wing was just missed by Luca Toni. Alberto Gilardino then picked up the ball and tried to score, but the ball first hit goalkeeper Kingston's legs and then the post.

Ghana's first real chance came a few minutes later, when a right-winged cross was cleared by the Italian defense with a Amoah ready to head home.

Another scare for Italy in the 26th minute, as Muntari attempted a shot on goal but the ball went too high.

But the best chance uptil that moment came a minute later. Luca Toni, Serie A top scorer this season, received a pass from Gilardino and his following brilliant strike smashed against the crossbar.

In the 28th minute, it was Ghana's turn again as Asamoah Gyan storms toward the penalty area but strikes wide of the left post.

And it was not over yet for Italy goalkeeper Buffon. In the 32nd minute, a well-performed attack allowed Emmanuel Pappoe to shoot from close range, but the Hapoel Kfar Saba player missed.

From here on, it was Italy to try a few attacks. Francesco Totti's distance strike was well saved by the goalkeeper in the 34th minute. A minute later, the Roma captain had a free kick deflected by the wall, and caught by Kingston.

1-0 Andrea Pirlo 40th minute
And the first goal was for the Italians. A short corner kick ended up at Andrea Pirlo's feet in the 40th minute, and the AC Milan midfielder struck right through the defense to score for 1-0.

The second half started with one change, as Illiasu Shilla replaced Pappoe for what was going to be his first ever appearance for the Ghana international team.

In the 51st minute, Gilardino was close to doubling the lead but his strike went straight for Kingston.

A few minutes later, it was Ghana's Essien to try his luck, and Buffon needed to stretch to avoid an equaliser.

In the 56th minute, Totti needed to be substituted after having his leg stamped on by Pantsil, and Maura Camoranesi came on for the last 34 minutes.

And six minutes later, it was that same Camoranesi who tackled Sulley Muntari from behind to end a counter-attack, and was booked by brazilian referee Carlos Simon

Italy, in their hunt for a second goal, came close in the 67th minute when a Simone Perrotta shot was well saved by goalkeeper Kingston, who seemed to have recovered from a weaker first half.

For the last 25 minutes, Italy coach Marcello took off the slightly underachieving Alberto Gilardino for Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Ghana wanted a penalty in the 72nd minute, when Gyan appeared to be pushed down by De Rossi, but referee Simon judged differently.

Italy's other striker, Luca Toni did perform well but failed to score, and was replaced by Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero for the last ten minutes.

2-0 Vincenzo Iaquinta 83rd minute
and in the 83rd minute, Italy decided the match. A bad backpass from Samuel Kuffour ended up right in the path of substitute forward Iaquinta, who made no mistake and set the score to 2-0.

Five minutes later, Iaquinta was booked for throwing away the ball after the referee whistled for a foul on John Mensah.

No more chances were created in the remaining minutes and Italy deservedly took their first three points of the tournament.