Robin van Persie scored one goal and set up another to help the Netherlands rout Hungary 4-0 in a European Championship qualifier yesterday

Rafael van der Vaart gave the 2010 World Cup runners-up the lead in the eighth minute after taking pass from Wesley Sneijder, and Ibrahim Afellay made it 2-0 after an assist from Gregory van der Wiel in the 45th.

Van Persie then set up Dirk Kuyt, who beat Hungary’s offside trap in the 54th and scored past Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly from close range.

Van Persie completed the rout in the 62nd.

The Dutch now have the maximum of 15 points after five matches in Group E and lead Hungary by six points. Italy took full control of their European Championship qualifying group with a 1-0 win over Slovenia, as Brazilian-born midfielder Thiago Motta scored his first goal for the Azzurri.

The Inter stalwart found the target with an angled shot in the 73rd minute of a match in which Italy threatened throughout.

Italy moved six points clear of Slovenia and Serbia, who beat Northern Ireland 2-1 in the other group match.

Italy also came close to scoring when forward Giampaolo Pazzini muscled past two defenders to hit the post in the 23rd minute.

Slovenia play another qualifier at Northern Ireland on Tuesday, while Italy travels to Euro 2012 co-host Ukraine for a friendly.

Belgium striker Axel Witsel scored twice to help his team beat Austria 2-0.

Witsel was left unmarked by Austria’s defence in the sixth minute as he escaped the offside trap and headed the ball with the back of his head past goalkeeper Jurgen Macho.

Five minutes into the second half, Witsel controlled the ball on his chest from a cross by Laurent Ciman before hammering it into the net for his fourth goal in 15 international games.

Both teams created few chances in a rather low-pace match full of poor passing and minor fouls.

It was Austria’s first defeat in four matches in Group A, while Belgium also retained their slim chance of advancing from the group, led by Germany.