Greedy Scotland in danger of getting swallowed up by the pack

Alex McLeish spoke repeatedly after the Georgia game about being "greedy" - about Scotland raising their aspirations and really wanting that place at Euro 2008. It's refreshing to hear such positive words from the new manager, because Scotland are going to need all the desire and belief they've got if they are really going to make it to the Alps next summer. Last night's game against the world champions showed exactly what they are up against.

Scotland have improved markedly in the past 3 years, but they remain a work in progress. McLeish was right to retain Stephen McManus at centre back after his strong performance against Georgia, but it was the Celtic player who conceded the free kick from which Luca Toni scored the first of his goals. It was a pretty soft decision, but hardly a surprise that the Italians would play for any advantage they could get. As McLeish said, maybe his team had to be a little "cuter".

Having conceded that early goal, Scotland were chasing the game against the undisputed masters in holding onto a narrow lead. In the circumstances any attack force in the world would have their work cut out, and Kenny Miller, Lee McCulloch and Gary Teale aren't the world's most feared attack. Luca Toni then doubled his tally to seal the match with 15 minutes to go.

There were plenty of positives in all this. Scotland certainly did not disgrace themselves, Scott Brown did well in his first start for his country, and Craig Gordon remains a reassuring presence, despite the chaos at his club. But a look at the table demonstrates just how tough this qualifying campaign is going to be. Ukraine and France are both on 12 points with Scotland, Italy are just 2 points behind, and all these teams have played a game less.

But we're in the mix, long after many expected Scotland's challenge to have faded to nothing by now. McLeish believes Scotland can still qualify, and he's right.