We have nothing to lose against Italy, says Scotland captain

"The pressure is on Italy, it's not on us, we can go there and relax," Ferguson told British media on Monday.

The Scots produced a hard fought 2-1 win over Georgia on Saturday to share top spot with France in their Euro 2008 qualifying Group B on 12 points.

"If we'd drawn against Georgia there would have been pressure on us," said the Rangers skipper.

Italy have to win the game in order to keep their European championships chances alive.

The world champions are in fourth place in the group on 7 points.

"Italy will have to go at us and we can sit back and hopefully catch them on the break. We are going into the game full of confidence and with nothing to lose.

"They haven't had the best of starts, so if we can keep them quiet for the first 20 minutes, you never know," he said.

The 29-year-old Ferguson kept his feet on the ground ahead of the important clash.

"The main aim of these two games (against Georgia and Italy) was getting the three points against Georgia," he said.

"It would be great to come away with a point, three would be even better, but we can't get greedy.

"A point would be great and another point on the road to qualification," added Ferguson.