Italy manager Roberto Donadoni warned the rest of European football on Saturday that his side have improved since winning the World Cup in 2006.

On Saturday, Italy clinched their place in the Euro 2008 finals with a 2-1 victory over Scotland at Hampden - a result which also ensured France would join them in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

And the Italy boss believes his side need fear no-one as they bid to become champions of Europe.

Donadoni said: “This team can go head-to-head with any team in the world and not fear them.

“The Scotland game was an excellent match. Every game this Italy team play we add more and get stronger. I am learning more with every game we play and from this group of players and together we are improving all the time.”

Donadoni continued: “I’m not going to compare this team to previous Italian sides. The team that won the World Cup in 1982 didn’t qualify for the next European Championships but because we did does not mean we are better.”

Italy took the lead in only the second minute of play at Hampden.

A quick throw-in caught the Scottish defence dozing, allowing Gianluca Zambrotta time to pick out Antonio Di Natale and his low cross was poked high into the roof of the net from close range by Luca Toni.

However, Scotland roared back and deservedly equalised when Barry Ferguson converted from close range, after Italian goalkeeper had spilled Lee McCulloch’s shot in the 64th minute.

But just as it looked as if Scotland would be get the draw which would leave them relying on Ukraine to beat France on Wednesday, they were dealt a killer blow in injury time.

Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick to the back post was met by Christian Panucci who sent a looping header over the stranded Scottish goakeeper Craig Gordon.

Source:Soccer News