Football: Wales

Filippo Inzaghi hit a second-half hat-trick as Italy thumped Wales 4-0 at the San Siro to take control of their Euro 2004 qualifying group.

The AC Milan star scored three times in a breathtaking second period in which Alessandro Del Piero made it a four-star performance with an easy conversion from the penalty spot.

Shell-shocked Wales have the ideal chance to bounce back to get their campaign back on track when Finland visit the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday, but must do so without Robbie Savage, Craig Bellamy and Mark Delaney who all picked up bookings to cap a miserable night for Mark Hughes' men.

Wales made sure of a place in the Euro 2004 qualifying play-offs - at the very least - with a 1-1 draw against Finland at the Millennium Stadium.

Simon Davies gave Mark Hughes' men an early lead but Jason Koumas was sent off and Finland used the man advantage with an equaliser 10 minutes from time from Mikael Forssell.


It was no more than the visitors deserved as they dominated the game after Wales' third minute strike and only some great goalkeeping from Paul Jones prevented them scoring earlier.

A frantic finale saw chances at both ends but neither side could find the winner.