Italy kill off Scottish dream
Christian Pannuci struck a last-gasp winner to kill off Scotland's dreams of qualifying for Euro 2008. Barry Ferguson's second-half equaliser had cancelled out Luca Toni's early strike - but James McFadden wasted Scotland's best opportunity to win the game as Italy stole the victory they so badly craved.
With Scotland needing a win to qualify, Alex McLeish could not have suffered a worse start as Toni put the visitors ahead within two minutes.
The Scottish backline went to sleep from an Italian throw-in, and Antonio di Natale's cross was swept home by Toni.
It should have been worse for Scotland after Di Natale smashed home from close-range following Gordon's parry from Ambrosini - but the Spanish linesman incorrectly adjudged the midfielder to be offside.
Buoyed by that let-off, Scotland began to threaten before the break and David Weir almost brought his side level - only for Andrea Pirlo to head the Scotsman's effort off the line.
Scotland returned rejuvenated for the second period and Ferguson lifted the roof off Hampden Park when he smashed home from six yards.
And with Italy on the backfoot, McFadden had a glorious opportunity to finish the job, but he lashed his effort wide of the post.
And that miss proved crucial as Pannuci rose highest in stoppage time to steer Italy towards Austria and Switzerland and leave Scotland heartbroken.
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