Whole Of Europe Wants Us To Lose

Nov 11 2007 Gavin Berry

Exclusive Massimo Oddo Come On Scotland 6 Days To Go

MASSIMO ODDO reckons the rest of Europe will join the Tartan Army in backing Scotland during Saturday's Hampden showdown.

The classy Italian defender is convinced no potential opponents at Euro 2008 want his country there ahead of Alex McLeish's men.

Oddo knows that if the World Cup winners fail to reach Austria and Switzerland it will be a huge boost to every other competing nation.

Roberto Donadoni's men are second favourites behind Germany to lift the trophy - despite still needing a point just to qualify.

That underlines what a shock it will be if Scotland book their place at Italy's expense and Oddo knows the Azzurri's rivals smell blood.

The World Cup and Champions League winner said: "Obviously the other teams in the tournament think it would be better for Italy not to qualify.

"We are the world champions and based on our success, strength, class and ability they'd rather have someone else there.

"Maybe others would also rather have Scotland for the famous fans who travel with them.

"I recently played at Celtic Park and know the atmosphere in Glasgow for national team games is great.

"But Italy is close to Austria and Switzerland and I'm sure we'd take a big support as well.

"When it comes to major tournaments fans always follow their teams - it just remains to be seen if it will be Italy or Scotland, or maybe both."

Scots boss Alex McLeish insists Italy and France thought they'd have been out of sight with a game to go in Group B.

And AC Milan star Oddo knows Scotland's incredible campaign is the only reason the two World Cup finalists aren't already there.

The 31-year-old says McLeish's men should be proud of what they've achieved regardless of what happens next - and refuted compatriot Fabio Grosso's claim that the Italians knew Scotland would bottle it in Georgia.

He said: "When the draw was made, based on class and ability, France and Italy were considered the favourites.

"But in modern football you can never say for sure who will qualify because there are so many factors to be taken into account.

"The situation in the group is nothing to do with Italy and France.

"It's because Scotland have been a true surprise.

"They beat the French twice and that was the big shock, otherwise the section would have gone as everyone predicted.

"Scotland have played a great campaign and you can't say they collapsed just because of one loss to Georgia or if they lose to us.

"Whatever happens it has been an impressive showing by the Scots.

"Italy have played OK overall but the points we are missing are the two we lost at home to Lithuania early on."

Oddo puts Scotland's success down to teamwork but did single one man out for praise.

He said: "I like Kenny Miller in particular.

"I have played against him with AC Milan and the national team and he is an important player who can decide a match.

"Miller is a real threat - quick, technically strong and deserves special attention.

"Of course, he scored the last time we played at Hampden in the 1-1 draw. The Scots are a tough team - strong, physical and so tough to beat at home."

While Scotland have racked up successive wins over France they have managed just one victory in nine attempts against the Azzurri.

However, that dismal record - which includes a 2-0 defeat in Bari in March - doesn't fool Oddo who knows Donadoni's side must be at the top of their game.

He said: "I don't know if there's a different psychological approach when Scotland play Italy as opposed to France.

"The French are technically excellent but Scotland came out on top twice and sometimes class doesn't count in football.

"That's why the approach to every game must be the same.

"If not you can slip up even if there is a supposed gulf in class.

"That's exactly what happened to us in the first game of this campaign when we drew at home with Lithuania."

Oddo has carved out a reputation as one of the finest full-backs in Italy since moving to Milan from Lazio in January.

But at last summer's World Cup he made a name for himself as the squad's unofficial barber.

Oddo earned the nicknames the Barber of Berlin and Scissor hands with his antics. Now Scotland will be praying he doesn't cut them down to size.

Oddo joked: "I always cut my own hair and one day Rino Gattuso asked if I'd do his.

"Word soon spread and I gave haircuts to almost the entire squad when we were in Germany last year."