Scotland coach Alex McLeish believes his side can exploit Italy’s fear of failure in their crucial Euro 2008 showdown.
Scotland can seal qualification for Euro 2008 with a win over the world champions at Hampden Park next weekend, while Italy must avoid defeat to keep their own hopes alive.
McLeish is convinced that the pressure is on Italy because of their position as one of the pre-tournament favourites.
“At the end of the day, the Italian guys are humans – and it does not matter the experience they have had; they will be apprehensive coming to Glasgow,” McLeish said.
“Their expectations are that not only should they be qualifying, they should be winning the tournament.
“There will be apprehension, no doubt about it. It does not matter where you are or who you are – when you travel away from home there is always apprehension.
“It will be a disaster for Italy if they don’t win this game; if they don’t get the necessary points or point they need.
“I think every one of their players will be aware of that.”
