Euro 2008 Scotland vs Italy

Scotland and Italy are set to clash in what may very well be the most exciting and emotional match of the weekend. The Scot’s are in full control of their destiny and can sew up their place in the EURO 2008 finals with the victory. Italy need at least a draw to keep them alive as they have a match in hand over Scotland with their next midweek fixture at home to the Faroe Islands looming. The first match between the two sides in Italy back in March ended in a 2-0 win for the home side.

At this time Alex McLeish’s side hold the smallest of leads over the defending World Cup champions with 24 points to Italy’s 23. Scotland are in 2^nd place of the group and at this time would be qualifying for the finals along with first place France. The Italian’s only loss in group play came on match day 2 when they were beaten soundly by the French, 3-1. They come into this match on an 8 match unbeaten run and have conceded just 1 goal over their last 4 matches. As for Scotland, they are coming off of a very disappointing loss away to Georgia in October which snapped a 4 match win streak which had included victories over France and the Ukraine. A victory away to Georgia would have seen Scotland through to the finals.

Both sides come into this match with nearly full strength squads with the only injury concern for Italian manager Roberto Donodani being Massimo Oddo. However, the strength of the Italian’s is their depth as the squad boasts and embarrassment of riches from the goal keepers to the strikers. This match may also signal a changing of the guard for Italy as Alessandro Del Piero was left off of the list. The factor that gives Scotland hope in this match is that they are at home at Hampden Park and have been perfect throughout the qualifiers when playing at home.

While the heart wants Scotland to prevail, the head and history dictate that the Italians will not be denied. Italy have as professional a national side as possible and they just plain know how to obtain the results they need to get. There is a reason they have won 4 world cup titles. The Scot’s blew their golden opportunity in Georgia.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)