Donadoni defies Italy's detractors

After winning the FIFA World Cup in 1982, Italy failed to qualify for the following UEFA European Championship. Having replaced Marcello Lippi following Italy's world title triumph in Germany, Roberto Donadoni is eager to avoid history repeating itself as the Azzurri face Scotland in Bari after a slow start to Group B.

With seven points from four games, Italy are five behind group leaders Scotland and France and two adrift of Ukraine. Suggestions that a poor result against Scotland on Wednesday could see Donadoni dismissed prompted Italian Football Federation commissioner Luca Pancalli to issue a statement: "We have complete faith in Donadoni. Right now the national team needs calm and not pointless panic."

Nonetheless, while some believe his career is in the balance, Donadoni remains sanguine. "I had some tests done and they said I'm not stressed at all," he joked. "I have always felt calm and safe since being appointed, and not only after Pancalli's words of support. I don't mind the rumours about my future. I'm just focused on fielding a very determined team against Scotland."

On Saturday Donadoni was in Glasgow to watch Scotland's 2-1 victory over Georgia. He said: "This result complicates matters a little bit for us, but in Italy it was greeted like a defeat for us. Maybe somebody didn't realise that we weren't playing on Saturday. In Bari we will try to take the initiative and set the tempo. Scotland are a very physical side with quality in midfield."

Captain Fabio Cannavaro has joined the defensive wall in front of his coach, saying: "You need to be a saint to work well with all this criticism, but Donandoni has the right personality to fulfil all expectations." Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also accentuated the positive. "We expected Scotland to win and it would have been a surprise only if they had failed to beat Georgia."

Now Italy must rein the Scots in and striker Luca Toni - who may be partnered by in-form Lazio forward Tommaso Rocchi at the Stadio San Nicola - was sure his side could secure a win. "At this stage, three points against Scotland are a must," he said. "It will be a tough game but we played well in our last two outings and we want to continue along this path."