Italy head into the Scotland game very low on spirits following some disappointing results of late and they will want to return to winning ways in Malta.

The Scots, on the other hand, have been thoroughly impressive since the qualifying campaign ended, recording back to back triumphs over Czech Republic and Denmark.

Italy will be going to the Euro 2016 finals hoping to avoid going out in the group stage like they did in Brazil, but they appear to face an uphill task.

Even if four third-place teams will also qualify, we are not convinced that the Azzurri have what it takes to outclass any of Belgium, Sweden or Republic of Ireland.

Antonio Conte has faced some serious selection problems in the build up to the major tournament, with Marco Verratti, Claudio Marchisio and Mattia Perin already ruled out.

On top of that, the boss opted against calling Sebastian Giovinco, Domenico Berardi and Andrea Pirlo, albeit giving a second chance to Daniele De Rossi.

The good news is that Matteo Darmian has recovered and he should be on the plane to France, but there are serious doubts over the fitness of Thiago Motta and Riccardo Montolivo.

With regards to the Scotland game, Italy have been made 1.73 (8/11) favourites to end a four-match winless run in Malta.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Buffon – Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini – Candreva, De Rossi, Parolo, Giaccherini, Darmian – Eder, Pelle.

Scotland have been showing a great deal of improvement of late, but they cannot seem to catch a break and finally secure their place at a major competition.

The Tartan Army narrowly missed out on Euro 2016 play-offs, meaning they are already preparing for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Scotland did really well in March friendlies, defeating Czech Republic and Denmark, and they now have a chance to upset the out-of-sorts Italy.

Gordon Strachan will, however, have to make do without a number of important players, with McGregor, Bannan, Snodgrass, Robertson and Maloney all involved in the Championship final.

Meanwhile, Alan Hutton, Chris Martin and Lee Wallace have withdrawn, with Hamilton, Kingsley, Fox and Bryson drafted into the squad.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Marshall – Martin, Hanley, Greer, Mulgrew – Ritchie, D. Fletcher, McArthur, Anya – Naismith, S. Fletcher.