Italy coach Marcello Lippi was delighted with Giuseppe Rossi's debut in their 0-0 draw against World Cup qualifying opponents Bulgaria.

"Rossi is a born player," smiled the Coach when asked about the Villarreal striker. "He has gone around the world. I called him early because he is a particularly special player, one who raced through the process, much like De Rossi in his career.

"The young ones all did well yesterday, such as Rossi and Simone Pepe, and were well above average."