Nasri's goal ensured France stay top of Group B

Franck Ribery shone for France, but the Euro 2000 champions struggled to beat Georgia 1-0 at home with Samir Nasri scoring the goal in the first half.

Two clinical strikes from Fabio Quagliarella earned world champions Italy a 2-0 victory in Lithuania.

France top group B with 18 points, Italy are second with 16 and Scotland one point further back in third place.

Nasri, who has been voted the French league's best young player this season, struck in the 33rd-minute of a one-sided contest to claim his first international goal.

"I feel better and better in the team," said the 19-year-old Nasri, who earned his first cap in a 1-0 win over Austria in a friendly in March.

"The fact that I scored the goal is not important. What matters is that the whole team worked hard for this victory."

France, who were missing captain Patrick Vieira and top striker Thierry Henry, next play Italy on 8 September in a World Cup final repeat.

Quagliarella was making his first start for Italy, having previously made two appearances as a substitute.

The Sampdoria striker's first goal came when he lashed home from the edge of the penalty area with his left foot in the 31st minute

The 23-year-old then scored with a delightful dipping effort on the stroke of half-time.