Manager Alex McLeish is confident Scotland can handle the pressure when they take on Italy at Hampden.
Victory for the Scots would ensure qualification from Group B and a place at next summer’s Euro 2008 finals.
McLeish said: “There is massive belief among the squad. We may not win the game but I tell you the players won’t bottle it, that’s for sure.
“We’ve been through every emotion in this group and I believe we have the mentality. We don’t fear failure.”
Scotland have not reached a major championship since they qualified for the 1998 World Cup.
“It’s been too long,” said defender David Weir, one of only two survivors along with Christian Dailly from that campaign.
“Everyone is looking forward to it. There are a lot of lads with good experience but this has got to be our biggest game.
“There is a lot at stake so it will be a tight game and very nervy.”
Scotland have won all of their home matches during the qualifying campaign and McLeish is relying on a fanatical Hampden crowd to play their part on Saturday.
“We’ve got to put them under pressure,” he said.
“We’re at home in Glasgow and we have to make the Italians feel they’re away from home.”
However, McLeish has great respect for the World Cup winners and realises that his side will have to prevent the Italians from playing before they can think about winning the game.
“We know they have world class players and we know we have to stop those players.
“That has to be part of our game-plan. We have to do that to allow our players to strut their stuff.
“If we do have a setback in the game I wouldn’t write these guys off,” he added.
“We have a wonderful opportunity. We’ve always said that in the beginning nobody gave us a prayer to be in this position.
“Now we’re in it everybody expects us to win and take care of it against the world champions. That’s the expectation levels out there.”
