Mario Balotelli continued his hot streak with both goals in Italy's 2-0 win over Malta.
The former Manchester City striker scored a penalty in the eighth minute before rounding off the win with a cheeky lob on the stroke of half-time.
The victory, which also saw keeper Gianluigi Buffon deny Malta's Michael Mifsud from the penalty spot, puts Italy three points clear of Bulgaria at the top of Group B.
Meanwhile, Robin van Persie also grabbed a double as Holland's 4-0 win over Romania lifted him above legend Johan Cruyff in the national side's all-time scoring table.
Former Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart was on target in the 11th minute, while after the break Van Persie struck twice, the second a penalty, and Jeremain Lens added a fourth in the final minute to leave Holland seven points clear at the top of Group D.
Elsewhere, Eden Hazard netted the only goal of the game in Belgium's victory over Macedeonia.
The Chelsea midfielder took the ball past two defenders before firing low with his left foot to cement his side's place at the top of Group A above Croatia, who beat Wales in Swansea.
Liverpool centre back Daniel Agger was also on target, salvaging Denmark a point against Bulgaria by converting from the spot to earn a 1-1 draw.
Watford's on-loan star Matej Vydra was another English-based player to score twice, setting the Czech Republic on their way to a 3-0 victory against Armenia before the visitors sealed the win through substitute Daniel Kolar.
