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French, Dutch, Italians

France, World Cup finalists Holland and Italy all picked up away successes in Friday qualifying matches for the 2012 European Championships.

France bagged a 2-0 win over tiny Luxembourg to continue their resurrection under new boss Laurent Blanc after a catastrophic World Cup under predecessor Raymond Domenech.

Defender Philippe Mexes rose high to nod in after 28 minutes and Yoann Gourcuff netted the clincher on 72 minutes.

Only some wayward finishing prevented a much healthier boost to French goal difference from materialising.

They still lead opening day Group D conquerors Belarus by four points - though the Eastern Europeans have a game in hand - after posting a sixth win on the trot to leave the traumas of the World Cup a fading memory.

Also Friday, Italy thanked Brazilian-born Thiago Motta for a typically gritty 1-0 win in Slovenia.

Motta, in only his second game for the Azzurri, netted with 17 minutes remaining in Ljubljana, ensuring the Italians took charge of Group C.

Slovenia managed few attempts on goal and much of the hosts' passion could be seen not on the pitch but in the stands as supporters of rival outfits Maribor and Olimpia Ljubljana fought amongst themselves before kick-off.

With Serbia coming from behind to edge out battling Northern Ireland 2-1 in Belgrade, unbeaten Italy are now six points clear at the top of Group C with half the qualification campaign behind them.

Northern Ireland looked set to cause a stir at the Serbs' expense when Gareth McAuley headed the visitors into the lead from Chris Brunt's free-kick in the 15th minute for his second international goal.

But Marko Pantelic levelled 20 minutes after the break and Zoran Tosic then scored a neat winner after a surging run by Milos Ninkovic with 16 minutes remaining at a practically empty Red Star Stadium.

20:14 | |

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