Scotland ready for physical clash with Italy

By Kenny MacDonald

GLASGOW (Reuters) - Scotland have warned world champions Italy they could be in for a bruising encounter in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Glasgow.

A win for Scotland in their final Group B game would send them through to the Euro 2008 finals for their first major championship appearance in a decade.

France top the group on 25 points, one ahead of Scotland with Italy a further point adrift but with a game in hand on both.

"It's come to a cup final kind of scenario with this last game. We know what is at stake and the prize on offer for the right result," Scotland striker Kenny Miller said.

"It is a cup final against the world champions to qualify us for our first major championship for 10 years, so it's a huge game.

"You have to put a stamp on the game and get the upper hand and if that means you put a few tackles in and upset a few people then that's what you do," he added.

Scotland have been the surprise package of the group with eight victories in their 11 qualifying matches so far, although they lost 2-0 in Italy in March.

APPREHENSIVE ITALIANS