Francesco Baiano struck a blow for Italian morale ahead of Saturday's World Cup showdown with England by inspiring Derby to victory in the east Midlands derby at Filbert Street.

Jim Smith's £1.5 million summer signing from Fiorentina scored twice in the final Premiership clash before the Rome encounter to condemn Leicester to their first home reversal of the season.

Leicester only really threatened at set pieces and it was fitting that their consolation goal in a furious late rally should be scored by a defender, Matt Elliott.

Derby, in contrast, looked threatening whenever they broke out of defence.

Leicester: Keller, Kaamark, Guppy, Prior, Elliott, Izzet (Savage 33), Lennon, Parker (Campbell 66), Cottee, Marshall (Fenton 45), Heskey. Subs Not Used: Arphexad, Watts. Goals: Elliott 67.

Derby: Poom, Rowett, Powell, Stimac, Wanchope, Laursen, Carsley, Eranio (Trollope 4), Dailly, Burton (Sturridge 61), Baiano (Van Der Laan 83). Subs Not Used: Hunt, Simpson. Booked: Carsley, Dailly, Poom. Goals: Baiano 21, 62.

Referee: G R Ashby (Worcester).