Italy sailed to a win in its first match of the World Cup Finals with a convincing 2-0 victory over Ecuador at Sapporo Dome in Japan in a battle of Group G teams. Striker Christian Vieri provided all the offense for Italy, scoring both of the team's goals in the first half.

The win gave Italy a share of first place in Group F with Mexico, who defeated Croatia 1-0 earlier in the day. The loss for Ecuador, which is making its World Cup debut, sent them in the opposite direction with a share of the bottom spot.

Vieri was veritably a force all night, creating Italy's first good scoring chance after he was sent through into the penalty area in the 7th minute, but his kick attempt was foiled at the last second by Ecuador goalkeeper Jose Cevallos.

But Vieri was not to be denied a second time soon after, as the Inter Milan striker launched a rocket 16 metres out from the goal that caught the upper-right corner. Cevallos didn't have a chance.

With a 1-0 lead, Italy played a more defensive game, staying back while trying to capitalize on Ecuador's mistakes. Eventually, this suffocating system led to some more good scoring chances for Italy, eventually resulting in Vieri's second goal of the night.

The striker chested down a long ball from the defense, faked out a defender and then put a nice shot on net, which Cevallos initially got a leg on. But the ball then slowly trickled toward the goal line and a storming Vieri easily tapped it in, giving Italy a 2-0 lead.

Ecuador did manage to apply sustained pressure in the second half, but none were too hot for Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to handle.

Italy next plays Croatia on Saturday, while Ecuador takes on Mexico on Sunday.

(Glen Choi, glen@chosun.com )