Palermo (Italy), Sep 7 (IANS): Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli praised goalkeeper Gigi Buffon following his sides 1-0 victory over Bulgaria in their World Cup qualifier.

Alberto Gilardino scored the sole goal for the win Friday which put Italy seven points clear at the top of Group B with two matches left, reports Xinhua.

"Our fitness is not at the optimal level and that made it difficult. We had to make three substitutions due to injuries, unfortunately. Gigi put on an extraordinary performance to save the result, so it's nice to suffer and still win," Prandelli said.

Prandelli also praised the team for their efforts.

"Everyone gave more than they could tonight. While we were organised, had the ball and pace, we did some very interesting things," he said.

The coach said he foresaw a tough team in Bulgaria which could bring trouble to Italy.

"Bulgaria poured forward towards the end as they gambled it all so it was predictable we would suffer," he said.