Smith is urging Scottish fans to respect the Italian anthem

Italy's preparations for the vital Euro 2008 tie have been overshadowed by the shooting of a fan by police and retaliatory attacks on the authorities.

"I don't want to benefit from that," said Smith.

"I hope it doesn't affect them because I think it's a shame that these things happen. I feel sorry for the Italians."

Lazio's game at Inter was postponed along with Roma's match against Cagliari, while the Atalanta-AC Milan tie was abandoned after home fans attempted to storm the pitch in protest.

That left a number of Roberto Donadoni's squad without a game.

And the Italian Football Federation may suspend further top flight matches after the international break.

We should respect the Italians as people, they are a great people, they have had great players, they are world champions Gordon Smith

"I hope we go through on the basis of how good we play on Saturday," said Smith.

"We should have a lot of sympathy for the Italian authorities and the football people.

"Now and again we get some trouble, and that happens when you get the effect of alcohol taken by idiots who can cause trouble.

"So we take nothing for granted and that's why I feel sorry when I see Italy suffering from this.

"They will be nervous because of the game, more to do with the fact they could fail to qualify for a major tournament.

"I don't mind that because that's just nerves."

Smith went on to encourage the Tartan Army to preserve their reputation by respecting the Italian anthem.

The Hampden crowd was criticised when the Lithuanian anthem was drowned out by noisy fans but there was no repeat when Ukraine visited last month.

"The Scotland fans have been fantastic home and abroad and I would hope that on Saturday we continue to do that by respecting the national anthem of Italy," added Smith.

"We should respect the Italians as people, they are a great people, they have had great players, they are world champions.

"We should respect them greatly on and off the field and I would love it if the supporters gave as much respect to the national anthem as we did with Ukraine and France in the previous two games - that was marvellous."