Group B Round-up: Nasri's first seals narrow France win

France did just enough to beat struggling Georgia last night and keep themselves on top of Group B in the race to qualify for the European Championships.

On the same evening that their closest rivals Italy and Scotland recorded victories, a first international goal for Marseilles' Samir Nasri, in the 33rd minute, was enough to win in Auxerre.

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The goal came after Franck Ribery controlled a quick pass from Francois Clerc and turned past two defenders. He then cut the ball back for Nasri, who rolled the ball into the net.

The victory leaves France two points ahead of Italy, who are second. Georgia, meanwhile, have lost six of their eight qualifying games.

Italy beat Lithuania 2-0 to record a fifth straight win in qualifying. The 23-year-old Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella lashed home from the edge of the box with his left foot after 31 minutes and then scored with a dipping effort just before half-time to settle Italy's nerves after a difficult start.

Lithuania, who drew 1-1 in Italy in September, had matched the world champions in the early stages but lost their way after going behind.

Italy made several changes from Saturday's laboured 2-1 win in the Faroe Islands and looked more dangerous, with Udinese's Antonio Di Natale missing two clear-cut chances.

Italy resume their qualifying campaign against France on 8 September in a re-match of the 2006 World Cup final.