Inzaghi, playing in place of the injured Francesco Totti, scored three goals in 11 second-half minutes as Giovanni Trapattoni's men took a giant stride towards qualification for the 2004 European championships on Saturday.

Reports prior to the match suggested there was no love lost between the two forwards despite being room-mates on international duty, but Inzaghi said he and Vieri have never been closer.

"We share a room when we are at training camp and whenever we know we are going to play together we share an even greater rapport," said Inzaghi after the match.

"There is no envy or jealousy between us so we work hard for each other. You could see that on the pitch. Together we caused many problems for Wales.

"I'm only sorry that I was injured last summer and couldn't play with him at the World Cup."

Inzaghi said his quick-fire treble was the highlight of his international career so far.

"It was an incredible night, one I will never forget," said the AC Milan marksman. "Not only was it my first hat-trick for Italy but Vieri and I combined well throughout the whole game."

Italy took 59 minutes to break down Welsh resistance with Inzaghi following up to rifle home the rebound after Vieri's header had struck the woodwork.

Inzaghi doubled his tally four minutes later, striking Massimo Oddo's pinpoint cross on the half-volley wide of Wales goalkeeper Paul Jones.

An angled drive from close range iced Inzaghi's cake before Alesandro converted a penalty for Italy's fourth goal after Gianluca Zambrotta was brought down in the box.

Italy coach Trapattoni admitted he was beginning to feel anxious before Inzaghi broke the deadlock.

"I think somebody must have brought a black cat into the stadium," he said after his side were twice denied by the woodwork either side of half-time.

"We created so many chances but Wales were hanging on and I thought that maybe it was going to be one of those nights.

"Then we got the goal and that allowed us to play with less tension and in the end we won comfortably."

Revenge for their 2-1 defeat in Cardiff last October, Italy's impressive victory took them top of Group Nine with two matches left to play.

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

Italy now face a tough match away to Serbia and Montenegro on Wednesday which could see them qualify for Portugal next summer, depending on the outcome of Wales' match at home to Finland the same night.

"We have completed the first task but now we must focus on the Serbia match," said Trapattoni, who was fortunate to hold on to his job following Italy's defeat to South Korea at last year's World Cup.

"The atmosphere in Belgrade will be much different to the San Siro. It's an intimidating place to play but we are confident."