By Tony Leighton In Larnaca

Smith won the quadruple with former club Arsenal in 2007

Striker Kelly Smith marked her 100th international cap with a goal as England beat Italy in their opening game of the Cyprus Cup on Wednesday.

Arsenal's Ellen White scored the opener in Larnaca when she pounced on a poor back pass by defender Roberta D'Adda.

And captain Smith made it 2-0 from the spot after winger Jess Clarke had been tripped in the box by Elisabetta Tona.

Boston Breakers player Smith, 32, has scored 43 goals for England since her debut against Italy in 1995.

After missing her last penalty, against Switzerland in September, the former Arsenal star thanked Chelsea's Frank Lampard for her spot-kick inspiration.

"I had no nerves about winning my 100th cap," she said. "But I was a bit nervous about taking the penalty after my last one.

"I'd seen Frank's penalty against Man United on Monday night, though, and I decided to lace the ball down the middle just like he did - so thanks Frank!"

Beating Italy means that England top Group A, ahead of Canada on goal difference after a 1-0 win for the Canadians against Scotland.

I was pleased to come out of it with two goals, a clean sheet and three points in the bag England manager Hope Powell

National coach Powell was happy enough with that situation despite her team failing to convince at times against a feisty Italian side.

"It took us time to find our groove," said Powell. "But we got better after the first half-hour and dominated in periods.

"It was a good contest, fairly even overall and quite physical, and I was pleased to come out of it with two goals, a clean sheet and three points in the bag."

Powell's team went in front when striker White chased down a weak third minute back pass to go round goalkeeper Anna Maria and slide the ball into the empty net.

The Italians responded with some dangerous attacks and only a brave Karen Bardsley save at the feet of left winger Elisa Camporese prevented an 11th minute equaliser.

Panico should have levelled the scores just before the half-hour but, from Camporese's low cross, the Italian skipper sent her shot wide of the far post.

That miss proved costly as Kelly Smith doubled England's lead from the penalty spot after a 38th minute Elisabetta Tona foul on right winger Jess Clarke.

The second goal buoyed England and White twice went close to doubling her own tally in the opening minutes of the second half.

But again Italy hit back and, after Clarke had cleared a Camporese shot off the line, midfielder Alessia Tuttino drove a 72nd minute shot against the crossbar.

England played out the closing stages comfortably, however, and the attention now turns to Friday's meeting with Scotland.

Powell said: "It's always a good, hard contest against the Scots so we will have to go into the game totally focused."

England (4-2-3-1): Bardsley (New Jersey Sky Blue); Susi (Birmingham City) (S. Smith (Lincoln) 81), F. White (Arsenal), Stoney (Chelsea), Unitt (Everton); Asante (New Jersey Sky Blue), Houghton (Arsenal); Clarke (Lincoln) (A. Scott (Boston Breakers) 66), K. Smith (Boston Breakers), Yankey (Arsenal); E. White (Arsenal).

Italy (4-1-4-1): Picarelli; D'Adda, Tona, Neboli, Gama; Tuttino; Pini (Guagni 90), Domenichetti, Conti (Vicchiarello 80), Camporese (Carissimi 68); Panico (Mauro 64).

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