Goals either side of half-time from Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta gave Italy a 2-0 victory over World Cup debutants Ghana in Hanover.

Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi opted for a three-man attack, handing Francesco Totti a starting spot alongside Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino.

Italy made a fast start, forcing a number of early corners, but Ghana were more than holding their own.

After 12 minutes Gilardino was denied by a block by Black Stars keeper Richard Kingston, while at the other end Alessandro Nesta had to clear with Matthew Amoah threatening.

Just before the half-hour mark, Toni came within a coat of paint of giving Italy the lead as he latched on to Gilardino's flick, held off John Mensah and thrashed a 20-yard shot against the underside of the crossbar.

Soon after Amoah's effort drifted just wide of target and then Emmanuel Pappoe wasted a clear chance from ten yards out, before Totti threatened with two long-range free-kicks.

Five minutes before the break Italy forged ahead, as a short corner was played to Pirlo and he arrowed a 25-yard right-footer into the far corner of the net through a crowd of players.

Soon after the restart Gilardino thrashed a shot straight at Kingston when he was through on goal, before Italy were forced to replace the injured Totti.

Midway through the second period Simone Perrotta forced a fine save from Kingston and shortly after Asamoah Gyan thought he'd won a penalty as he was pushed over by Daniele De Rossi.

An offside flag denied Iaquinta with 14 minutes to play, but seven minutes later the same player latched on to a short backpass from Sammy Kuffour to sidestep Kingston and roll the ball into the empty net to wrap up the victory.

Ghana continued to press forward in the closing stages, but were unable to break down a typically resolute Azzurri defence.