Souness believes Alex McLeish needs to play a 'clever game'

Graeme Souness says Italy have to deal with the burden of living up to their status as world champions in their key Euro 2008 match against Scotland.

Scotland lost to Italy in Bari in March but a win on Saturday would secure qualification for their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup.

"All the pressure is going to be on Italy, the world champions have got to qualify," said Scotland legend Souness.

"The Scottish lads go into it knowing they've had a great campaign already."

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A brilliant victory against France in Paris has given Scotland the belief that they can beat Roberto Donadoni's side and qualify for Austria and Switzerland next year.

However, Souness urged Scotland manager Alex McLeish to adopt a cautious tactical approach against the world champions.

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"They have to play a very, very clever game - not chase the game early on and hopefully get something maybe from a set-piece," said Souness, who won 54 caps for Scotland.

"If nothing is happening until the last 20 minutes, really go for it. They've been clever with the tactics, been well organised and rode their luck at times and that's why they're in the situation they're in."

Of Scotland's 25-man squad, only defenders David Weir and Christian Dailly have experience of playing at a major championship.

"I don't think the players will really grasp the importance of this game," former Scotland striker Joe Jordan told BBC Radio Scotland.

"Some of the older ones will know it's maybe their last chance.

"But it's not until you get to a tournament and see the teams and players you are up against that you realise what it's all about."

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Jordan, like Souness, spent some of his career playing in Italy and he is predicting a close encounter at Hampden.

"Scotland have got a chance but it will be very difficult," said the man who scored goals at three World Cup finals.

"Italy have the players who can sit in for the draw but I don't think they can afford to play for it.

"Scotland have home advantage but Italy have the advantage of being world champions and they are capable of going anywhere and getting a result.

"It's a delicate situation. It could go either way. I can see maybe one goal separating the teams."