After an own goal from Riadh Bouazizi in the 15th minute three Italians scored their debut goals for the the national side.

A header from Fabio Cannavaro in the 27th minute gave the Italians a 2-0 lead at the break.

Coach Giovanni Trapattoni made six changes at halftime but his team maintained their dominance against a weakened Tunisia with two late goals ensuring a convincing scoreline.

A brilliant curling free kick from Andrea Pirlo in the 86th minute and then a last minute strike from Gianluca Zambrotta ensured a confidence-boosting victory for the Azzurri.

Italy have a habit of struggling in pre-tournament friendlies, having lost their last three such matches but they never looked in danger of failing at a sparsely attended November 4 stadium.

Right from the outset Trapattoni's side looked confident and determined although it took a stroke of good fortune to break the deadlock.

Francesco Totti produced a superb turn and launched the ball towards Christian Vieri and Bouazizi's headed intervention was directed past his keeper Ali Boumnijel.

Italy are investing high hopes in the Totti-Vieri partnership and it almost delievered a second minutes later when a brilliant pass from Totti put in his strike partner whose shot whistled just over the bar.

Poor defending assisted Italy's second when an unmarked Cannavaro rose to head in a Totti corner.

After a couple of good chances it was not until the close of the game that the Italians made their dominance really count.

Pirlo's magnificent free kick from over 20 metres out capped an excellent display from the second half substitute and then Zambrotta did well from close range after Bernardo Corradi had caused havoc in the penalty area with a towering header.

"We showed we are in excellent shape and have the right mentality. The scoreline might give the impression of an easy match but the first half was tough and the lads really pleased me with this performance". Trapattoni told RAI television.

Italy have been drawn in group C at the European Championship finals where they will face Denmark, Sweden and Bulgaria.