Scotland are looking to make history when they take on Italy in Wednesday’s Euro 2008 qualifier in Bari.
The Scots have never won on Italian soil, but recent results have given them cause for optimism, and Scotland skipper Barry Ferguson has issued a rallying call to his teammates ahead of tonight’s game.
Alex McCleish’s side top Group B with 12 points from five matches ahead of both Italy and France.
“The last time we went over there, they beat us 2-0 but it was only two free-kicks that won them the game,” said Ferguson.
“They didn’t have many chances. Then we played them here and I thought we dominated the game. We had a few chances.
“We are going over there with no fear. We know they’ve got world-class players but the commitment in this team is unbelievable just now and I think we can go there and get a point.
“We’ve got to be positive. All the guys in the dressing room have got to be positive. We beat France, and France and Italy were in the World Cup final, so it would be great to go there and get the three points.
“However, realistically, a point would be great for us.”
Scotland travel to Italy on the back of a last-gasp win over Georgia at the weekend – a result which Ferguson believes eases the pressure on McCleish’s side.
“If we had drawn against Georgia, there would have been a bit of pressure on us. We got the three points that we wanted against Georgia but we have to be realistic because Italy are one of the best teams in the world.
“But all the pressure is on them. They’ve not had the best start so, if we can keep them quiet for the first 20 minutes, you never know what could happen. Italy are the team who will be under pressure.”
