PALERMO, Italy, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli praised goalkeeper Gigi Buffon "saved the result" following his side beat Bulgaria 1-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.

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

"Our fitness is not at optimal level and that made it very much difficult," Prandelli said.

"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," he said.

Prandelli praised the whole 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.