Roberto Donadoni could not hide his joy at the result

"They obviously have the imprint of the manager on the team," he said. "They gave their all in the game."

Scotland finished third in Group B after running Italy and France close.

"For a team to achieve 24 points in a qualifying campaign is a fantastic achievement and it was not through luck that they managed to do so," he said.

Scotland complained that the free-kick that led to the stoppage-time winner should not have been awarded to Italy.

But Donadoni pointed out that "there was talk that Scotland's goal may have been offside and that Italy should have had a goal that was onside".

I just wish everyone could feel the way I felt in that dressing-room after the game Italy coach Roberto Donadoni

Italy's victory came after a week during which their preparations were clouded by the shooting dead of a Lazio fan last weekend.

"The Scottish fans showed how to behave and get behind a team," said Donadoni.

"Their correctness off the pitch has given us all something to learn from."

Having secured their qualification, along with France, Donadoni insisted he was always confident of a positive outcome for the Azzurri.

"The game is dedicated to everyone in Italy who wasn't able to be with us today but who had the will and desire to support the team," he said.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Scotland goal was clearly offside, plus we've got a goal missing and I still don't know why onlyinter

"I am overjoyed to be going to the European Championships, it's a fantastic achievement.

"But the biggest achievement of all is the relationship I have with those players who went out and battled today.

"Before the match, I told them to be calm and relaxed about this game.

"I told them that if they felt they had nothing to fear then they would be celebrating at the end of the match.

"I just wish everyone could feel the way I felt in that dressing-room after the game."