Gattuso Haunted By Flops

Nov 11 2007 By Gavin Berry

Exclusive

RINO GATTUSO last night admitted he fears world champions Italy could become Euro flops again by crashing to defeat against Scotland.

The Italians last won the World Cup in 1982 - only to fail to reach the European Championships in France two years later.

Their star-studded squad also missed out on Euro 92 in Sweden and Gattuso is desperate not to suffer the same fate.

The former Rangers midfielder is gearing up for the do-or-die Euro 2008 qualifier at Hampden on Saturday.

AC Milan star Gattuso was instrumental in helping Italy to World Cup glory last summer.

But after Marcello Lippi's departure as boss, Roberto Donadoni has failed to seal their place at Euro 2008 with two games remaining.

Scotland know a win over the Azzurri will send them to Austria and Switzerland - and leave the Italians needing France to slip up in Ukraine.

And Gattuso said: "In 1982 Italy won the World Cup then didn't go to Euro 84.

"This squad doesn't want that to happen again so we must get the right result in Glasgow.

"Everyone might think it's impossible for the World Cup winners not to be at the Euros but that's proof it can happen.

"We also failed to qualify for Euro 92 so we don't want to be remembered in the same way.

"There will be a lot of criticism if we don't make it to Austria and Switzerland.

"At the moment we have 23 points and if we beat the Faroe Islands in our final game that would be 26 guaranteed.

"So it's unbelievable to think we wouldn't go through with that total if we lost to Scotland.

"But the Scots could argue the same thing - they've beaten France twice and still might not get through.

"If we get the point we need there won't be a party in Glasgow for us because three days later we play the Faroes."

Meanwhile, Gattuso reckons the decision to postpone the Old Firm's games this weekend could work against Alex McLeish's men.

He said: "It might have a negative effect. I've played in three Champions League finals and for 15 days beforehand you think about nothing else which isn't always good.

"I can see the thinking behind the postponement and it could be an advantage.

"But you can only prepare for so long - the important thing is to perform on the day.

"I know from experience it can be too much for your head."