Collins says Scotland supporters can help energise the team

"The fans are a big, big part of it," the Hibs manager told BBC Sport.

"I was a player not so long ago and when you hear the Hampden roar there is no doubt it gives you extra energy.

"There will be periods when Italy get hold of the ball and take control but we don't want any silence. The crowd has got to keep going for 90 minutes."

Interview: Hibernian manager John Collins

A victory against the World Cup winners will see Scotland reach next year's European Championship finals.

And the Scots have won all of their matches at Hampden in the qualifying section so far.

"We have proved at home we have a great record," added Collins, who won 58 caps between 1988 and 1999.

It will be remembered as a fantastic campaign, so they can't lose Gordon Strachan Celtic manager

"We are dangerous at set-pieces; corners and free-kicks. It has been our strength during this campaign.

"And I'm sure Alex (McLeish) will have them working on deliveries.

"We will also need to keep it tight at the back. If we keep a clean-sheet then we'll always have a chance.

"This is the final hurdle and it will need a top class performance from everyone in the team.

"But I think we are capable of it.

"With a full Hampden Park and the fans singing from the first minute to the last minute pushing the players forward, then why not?"

Collins played at the 1996 European Championship and the 1998 World Cup.

However, he believes reaching next year's tournament would be a greater achievement.

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"All credit to the management team and players for getting into this position," he continued.

"This is probably the toughest qualification group Scotland has ever been in and this is as big a game as we have ever played."

Meanwhile, Celtic boss Gordon Strachan, who 50 caps for his country, does not feel the players should be inhibited by pressure.

"We have had legendary footballers and legendary performances but I think a legendary team is what we need," he said.

"I don't think it's pressure, I think it's excitement," Strachan said. "It's a different thing.

"Pressure is when you have got one game to stay up or get relegated - that's pressure.

"Their performances so far mean they can't lose whatever they do.

"It will be remembered as a fantastic campaign, so they can't lose. It should be just excitement."