Quagliarella poised to be next big name for Italy

MILAN, June 7 (Reuters) Fabio Quagliarella already has an eye-catching name and it was on every Italian's lips after his two fine goals gave Italy a 2-0 win in Lithuania yesterday.

The result boosted Italy's chances of qualifying for Euro 2008 from Group B and showed that young talent like Quagliarella can still break through despite the world champions having a plethora of established strikers.

The Sampdoria forward, making his first start for his country, cut inside from the right to unleash an unstoppable left-foot drive from the edge of the box on 31 minutes.

The 23-year-old then delivered a second with a delightful dipping shot on the stroke of halftime.

''Italy has always produced great players. We try to let them grow in the best way. This is our characteristic,'' Italy coach Roberto Donadoni told reporters.

With Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino out injured, Francesco Totti taking a break from international football and Alessandro Del Piero and Filippo Inzaghi nearing the end of their careers, Italy needed somebody new.

Quagliarella, a late substitute in his previous two appearances against Scotland in March and the Faroe Islands on Saturday, seized his chance where others have failed.

Donadoni likes to play three upfront but Lazio striker Tommaso Rocchi was totally lost in the alien wide forward position during the 2-1 win over the Faroes, when main striker Inzaghi scored twice.

After only 13 goals for Sampdoria last season, Quagliarella's selection out wide surprised some but his dynamism proved he was ready for international soccer.

''There would not have been a better way to finish the season,'' the striker said.

''We have demonstrated the character of Italy.'' REUTERS AKD ND1418