Liechtenstein vs. Italy: Score and Reaction for World Cup 2018 Qualifying

Italy beat Liechtenstein 4-0 in a qualifier for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the Rheinpark Stadion on Saturday. The Azzurri scored four goals in the first half before steadily seeing out the game and preserving a clean sheet after the break.

Italy kept pace with Spain in Group G. The Italians are level on points with the leaders, and they boosted their goal difference, per FIFA's official website, which could prove to be crucial as the group unfolds.

Andrea Belotti scored twice, while Ciro Immobile and Antonio Candreva were also in on the act during the four-goal rush in the first half.

All three were vital members of manager Giampiero Ventura's starting XI, as the team's official Twitter feed shared:

The game was over by half-time after Italy tore through their overwhelmed opposition. Belotti got the first to continue his phenomenal scoring run for the Azzurri, per Squawka Football:

Immobile got on the scoresheet next. The Lazio forward is another attacker in fine form at the international level, as Squawka Football noted:

Meanwhile, OptaPaolo summed up how Immobile and Belotti have formed a dangerous double act:

Candreva added gloss to the score before Belotti wrapped up his brace. He latched on to an exquisite pass over the top and controlled the ball instantly with a quality touch before tucking the ball into the far corner. It was a classy piece of finishing.

Speaking of classy, that's just the word for Giacomo Bonaventura's assured first-half display. The AC Milan schemer roamed the pitch and constantly threaded passes between the lines to release willing runners.

The heavy outburst was a rarity for the Azzurri, as OptaPaolo noted:

Italy didn't seem to be particularly intent on adding to their lead during the early stages of the second half. Even so, Immobile should have scored when his close-range header drew a smart save from goalkeeper Peter Jehle.

Looking for a little more impetus, Ventura introduced dynamic Napoli winger Lorenzo Insigne off the bench. His pace and direct movement created fresh problems for the Liechtenstein defence and extra space in the final third.

It was space Belotti nearly exploited, but his shot was too straight and lacked power. Belotti soon went close again, this time with a header, after a deft cross from Insigne.

Claudio Villa/Getty Images

Italy continued to press and create chances, but they couldn't find a fifth goal. Considering Spain also won by four against Macedonia on Saturday, the Azzurri may rue not making the most of their superiority after half-time.

Post-Match Reaction

Afterwards, Ventura indicated his team could have scored many more goals, per Football-Italia.net:

Meanwhile, centre-back Leonardo Bonucci bemoaned the fact Italy didn't find the net again:

Ventura and Bonucci are right to believe there were more goals to be had. But one of the scorers, Candreva, was still pleased with his nation's bold tactical approach:

The Azzurri aren't exactly known for open, attacking football, and Ventura's tactics are likely to look a lot different against stronger opposition.

Italy's next qualifier will be against Albania on March 24, while Liechtenstein will face Macedonia.