Italy coach Marcello Lippi was delighted for Luca Toni after the striker netted twice during the 3-0 quarter-final victory against Ukraine in Hamburg.

Toni has been prolific in Serie A for the past two seasons but struggled during the early stages of the World Cup.

However, he found his scoring touch against Ukraine to seal victory with a second-half brace after Gianluca Zambrotta had opened the scoring in the sixth minute.

"I'm really happy and really proud of what the players did today," said Lippi.

"I'm especially happy for Toni. It was really strange that he did not score before tonight. Now we have to look towards the next match."

That next match will be a semi-final meeting with the hosts, and Lippi added: "Naturally it will be difficult but it will be difficult for Germany too."

Ukraine were outclassed for much of the game, but coach Oleg Blokhin insisted just reaching the last eight was a reason for celebration.

"There's no such thing as good or bad luck here. The Italians have a great team and they don't forgive mistakes," said Blokhin.

"On the whole our team deserves great praise. I would say we have gained a great achievement for Ukraine and Ukrainian football."