Scotland v Italy preview

Scotland: Preparing for crucial encounter

skysports.com prediction: Scotland 1 Italy 0

Player to watch: James McFadden

Sky Bet odds: Scotland 12/5 Draw 2/1 Italy evens

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Scotland are teetering on the edge of something quite remarkable, with Euro 2008 qualification just three points away.

Few even gave the Scots a chance when they were drawn alongside giants Italy and France in Group B, however with their final game approaching they find themselves agonisingly close to a remarkable feat.

Hampden Park is the venue for Saturday's colossal encounter against Italy, and one can expect that the stadium will be rocking with a thundering atmosphere as the Tartan Army will their team to success.

Scotland boast a 100 per cent home record and the Italians will need to utilise all of their experience if they are to resist crumbling under the pressure.

Preparation

Preparation-wise the Scots should be fresh following the postponement of Celtic and Rangers' games last weekend; however Italy is currently in a state of shock following the shooting of a fan.

Roberto Donadoni's men are the World champions though, and are unlikely to be knocked from their focus of getting the job done.

Alex McLeish has spoken of 'winning ugly', and may opt to implement a five-man midfield as he aims to restrict the Azzurri and grind out a victory.

The former Rangers boss has an eager 25-man squad and faces a selection headache as he looks to concoct the winning formula.

McFadden magic

Everton's James McFadden is the jewel in the crown for Scotland, with his creative spark complementing the work ethic of the likes of Scott Brown.

Craig Gordon could be in for a busy evening; however McLeish will be confident that Britain's most expensive goalkeeper can deliver the sort of performance he put on in the home win over France.

Donadoni has an injury worry over Milan defender Massimo Oddo, who is struggling with a foot injury.

However, Gianluca Zambrotta is available for selection after shrugging off a minor knee problem.