France romped to a two-goal lead by the 17th minute thanks to a Govou first-timer and Thierry Henry's deflected shot.

Alberto Gilardino narrowed the gap just three minutes later with a neat header before Lyon striker Govou headed a bullet after the break to seal the victory.

The classy victory put France at the top of Group B with six points while Italy have one point from two games.

The hosts snatched a debatable first goal after just two minutes when William Gallas crossed from the left only for Govou to unleash a first-timer that hit the side netting.

Italy players protested the goal and the television replay proved that Gallas was offside before feeding the Lyon striker.

Fifteen minutes later, Florent Malouda fired a long-range shot at Buffon who parried the ball into Henry's path.

The Arsenal captain sent the ball on the rebound but his shot hit marker Fabio Cannavaro and flew past keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Gilardino pulled one back for the World Champions when he ghosted behind France's back four to connect with Andrea Pirlo's free-kick and head past Gregory Coupet.

Govou proved thorn in Italy's side in the 55th minute when he cut in front of Cannavaro to head Willy Sagnol's cross past the helpless Buffon.

In the same group, Ukraine grabbed a hard-fought 3-2 win over Georgia while Lithuania lost 2-1 at home to Scotland.

Germany hit 13

In Group D, Germany registered their biggest victory in their history away from home after thrashing poor San Marino 13-0.

Lukas Podolski led the score sheet with four goals while both World Cup top scorer Miroslav Klose and Bastian Schweinsteiger posted doubles.

The Czech Republic faced no hard test in Slovakia as they enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory.

In Group E, Peter Crouch scored his 10th international goal in the last 11 games as England edged Macedonia 1-0.

Israel crushed Andorra 4-1 while Russia were held to a goalless draw by Croatia.

In Group F, David Healy posted a stunning hat-trick to give Northern Ireland a memorable 3-2 triumph over Spain.

Xavi Hernandez and David Villa scored for Spain but their efforts were not enough to save their side from the first defeat against Northern Ireland since 1982.

Denmark beat Iceland 2-0 and Sweden eased to a 3-1 win over Liechtenstein.

In Group G, Robbin Van Persie's brace helped Holland defeat Belarus 3-0. Derek Kuyt added the third.

Romania beat Albania 2-0 and Bulgaria crush Slovenia 3-0.