Italy were in cruise control after just 45 minutes in Vaduz, having scored four times in the first half of a competitive match since January 1987 when they put five past Malta in a European Qualifier.

Andrea Belotti's two goals sandwiched efforts from Ciro Immobile - his fourth in as many appearances for Italy - and Antonio Candreva.

With the job done the second half was a less intensive affair and although Italy stay level on 10 points with Spain their goal difference is inferior by five.

Israel moved into third place after beating previous incumbents Albania 3-0 thanks to goals from Eran Zahavi, Dan Einbinder and Eliran Atar.

In Group D Wales were held to a 1-1 draw by Serbia after Aleksandar Mitrovic's 86th-minute goal cancelled out Gareth Bale's first-half strike.

It denied Chris Coleman's side the chance to overtake their opponents and move into second place behind the Republic of Ireland, who assumed top spot following a first victory over Austria since 1963 courtesy of James McClean's third goal in two matches.

Moldova gained their first point of the campaign with a 1-1 draw in Georgia as Alexandru Gatcan's 78th-minute goal cancelled out Valeri Qazaishvili's early effort.

Marcelo Brozovic scored both goals as Croatia opened up a gap at the top of Group I with a 2-0 win over nearest rivals Iceland.

The Inter Milan midfielder scored in the 15th and 90th minutes, after which Ivan Perisic was sent off.

Ukraine moved into second with a 1-0 win over Finland thanks to Artem Kravets' first-half goal.

Turkey registered their first victory of the World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over newcomers Kosovo, with Burak Yilmaz and Volkan Sen scoring within four minutes of each other just after half-time.