[D-Kin]

Azzurri boss Roberto Donadoni is already looking forward to Italy’s Euro 2008 qualifier with Scotland and knows that failure is not an option.

Although a 2-0 win over Georgia left the World Cup holders in a qualification spot in Group B, it seems likely that nothing less than victory over leaders Scotland will see them through.

If France beat Lithuania and the Ukraine and Scotland beat Georgia, Donadoni’s men must take three points at Hampden on November 17.

“It is just like the World Cup Final and a whole year’s work will come down to 90 minutes,” the ex-Livorno tactician admitted.

“Scotland are a totally different side at home and they are very organised as well as spirited.

“We are technically a better side, but we will need to be on top form in Scotland.

"We are in the final straight and we just need one last burst of acceleration.”

An unfamiliar Italy side take on South Africa in a friendly in Siena on Wednesday as Donadoni has given four players their first Azzurri calls.

channel4.com - Football Italia