PARIS, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Italy striker Christian Vieri scored his first two Ligue 1 goals on Saturday to help Monaco secure a welcome 3-1 win at Stade Rennes.

The victory lifted spirits at Monaco after a dull start to the year featuring an embarrassing elimination by fifth division Colmar in the second round of the French Cup on Wednesday.

Vieri, 32, joined Monaco last month from AC Milan in an effort to boost his chances of making Italy's World Cup squad.

Rennes led at halftime with a 25th minute goal by midfielder Arnold Mvuemba Makengo but Monaco woke up after the break, Vieri equalising with a powerful header in the 55th before putting the visitors in front with a superb volley 12 minutes later.

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