[D-Kin]

Scotland ready for Azzurri battle Friday 19 October, 2007

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Italy are in pole position to qualify for Euro 2008, but the atmosphere is defiant in Scotland as a nation prepares for November 17’s decisive encounter.

The Azzurri only need a draw in Glasgow to claim a place in Austria and Switzerland after the Scots were surprisingly beaten 2-0 in Georgia.

While Scotland’s task now looks daunting, there is an air of optimism amongst the country’s football authorities.

“We can beat Italy, I have no doubt about that whatsoever,” Celtic manager Gordon Strachan told BBC Sport.

“We’ve all enjoyed what the team has achieved so far and it’s all down to the last game so they have to go for it.

‘Whatever happens, this is the best performance in terms of excitement of any Scotland side trying to qualify.”

Celtic defender Gary Caldwell is also in buoyant mood ahead of the biggest game in his nation’s recent history.

“We have five wins out of five at Hampden and I’m sure that Italy aren’t looking forward to it,” he roared.

“I’m sure if they had known they would have to get a result to stay in the competition, they wouldn’t have fancied that.

“We know what we have to do as we know we must win to qualify and I’m sure we can get there.”

channel4.com - Football Italia