A stunning second-half hat-trick in the space of 11 minutes by AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi put Italy in firm control before Alessandro Del Piero's penalty completed the rout.

A resounding victory, revenge for their 2-1 defeat in Cardiff last October, saw Italy replace Wales at the top of the group with two matches to play.

Italy have 13 points from six matches, one more than Wales and four ahead of third-placed Finland.

On Wednesday Italy play away to Serbia and Montenegro in Belgrade while Wales host Finland in Cardiff.

Nicknamed 'SuperPippo', Inzaghi said his three goals would live long in the memory.

"It was a wonderful night, one I will never forget," he said. "It was my first hat-trick for Italy and will stay with me forever."

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni said he thought luck was favouring the Welsh after the visitors had survived for 59 minutes against a home onslaught.

"I think somebody must have brought a black cat into the stadium," he said.

"We knew it was going to be a tough battle but when we scored the first goal I felt we would go on to win.

"The players merit the applause. To create so many chances at this level is hugely satisfying."

Wales coach Mark Hughes said he still thought qualification was within reach despite a heavy defeat.

"We can't afford to feel sorry for ourselves. We have to dust ourselves down as we have a big game on Wednesday," said the former Manchester United and Barcelona striker.

Inzaghi replaced the injured Francesco Totti to partner Christian Vieri in Italy's attack, while Chievo's Simone Perrotta overcame a thigh strain and started in central midfield.

Juventus' Del Piero, normally used as an out-and-out striker, was asked to play on the left-hand side of midfield to accommodate Inzaghi.

Hughes took a gamble on the fitness of Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy, who has been recovering from a knee injury and was told to rest for at least a fortnight by a specialist last week.

Despite a bright start, Italy almost fell behind in the seventh minute.

Defending a high ball inside his own penalty area, Christian Panucci tried to cushion a header back to Gianluigi Buffon only to leave the Italy goalkeeper woefully short with his misjudged pass.

Giggs was first to the ball but the Manchester United star's low angled shot was brilliantly blocked by Buffon.

Italy composed themselves after their early scare scare and began to enjoy plenty of space down the left flank which Gianluca Zambrotta fully exploited.

A succession of intelligent crosses however were wasted by the home side, Vieri the worst offender.

Tempers boiled over in the 27th minute when Wales refused to stop play when Alessandro Nesta went down injured and the ensuing fracas saw Bellamy and Buffon join Robbie Savage in the referee's notebook.

Vieri scuffed a gilt-edged chance when put through on goal by Inzaghi 60 seconds later, while at the other end John Hartson saw a first-time shot clear the bar by inches.

Italy responded well and finished the first-half on top with Del Piero rattling the crossbar and Vieri screwing the rebound agonisingly wide.

The Italians stepped up another gear in the second-half with Cristiano Zanetti's low drive hitting the post and Robert Page preventing Vieri's header from crossing the line with an acrobatic overhead kick.

Wales' overworked defence finally caved in just before the hour mark.

Vieri's header came crashing off the woodwork and Inzaghi was on hand to rifle home from close range.

Italy turned the screw in the 63 minute when Inzaghi doubled his tally.

Lazio's Massimo Oddo, on as a second-half substitute for Panucci, struck an inviting cross towards the penalty spot and Inzaghi struck a first-time shot which gave Paul Jones in the Welsh goal no chance.

Inzaghi completed his hat-trick with an angled shot seven minutes later and Del Piero converted coolly from the spot after Zambrotta was scythed down in the box to complete the demolition.