Amoruso says Scots can achieve Euro 2008 goal if fear factor is banished

Published on Tuesday 1 May 2007 12:09

LORENZO AMORUSO claims his former Rangers boss Alex McLeish can lead Scotland to the Euro 2008 finals - if he removes the fear factor from their game.

The Italian felt Scotland were hesitant during their recent 2-0 defeat against his countrymen in his home city of Bari.

The Scots lost to a Luca Toni goal in each half to knock them off the summit of Group B, although they are tied on 12 points with leaders Ukraine.

Amoruso, who has been without a club since leaving Blackburn last summer, said: "I don't know for what reason, but Scotland came to Italy and I don't think they really performed like I had seen them play.

"I don't know why but they were a bit afraid. The first half especially they didn't really try to do anything.

"They were just waiting on Italy, normally it's not an attitude I recognise in a Scottish player.

"The second half was a bit better but of course when you try to go forward, of course you give big chances to Italy or any other team on the counter attack and that's what happened in the second half.

"Italy scored in the second half and the game was over."

However, Amoruso believes the start Scotland made to the qualification bid has given them a chance of pipping at least one of the World Cup finalists.

The Scots beat France 2-0 under Walter Smith, who also enjoyed a 1-1 draw against Italy in the previous World Cup campaign.

They face the Faroe Islands away in their next qualifier on June 2 before the group is decided in the autumn.

Amoruso said: "Two years ago they drew against Italy so they can do it.

"The next few games are going to be very, very important for Scotland and the home game against Italy will be vital.

"Ukraine are top of the group as well with France and Scotland so everything will probably be decided in the last game of the group.

"Scotland have shown already they have a chance to go forward."