Roberto Donadoni is hopeful Gianluigi Buffon will be fit to start Italy's game with Scotland.
Roberto Donadoni is hopeful Gianluigi Buffon will be fit to start Italy's Euro 2008 qualifier with Scotland.
The Juventus goalkeeper has been struggling with a stomach upset in recent days and Donadoni has called Morgan de Sanctis into the squad as cover.
But Buffon trained on Tuesday and Azzurri coach Donadoni feels his first choice will be able to start against Group B leaders Scotland.
"Buffon has trained well today," said Donadoni.
"He hasn't been at his best in the past few days, but I'm hoping that his condition will improve overnight and that he will be available to play tomorrow night.
"Buffon knows the importance of this game, he wanted to train and I'm sure he will want to play tomorrow."
Donadoni admits it is 'crucial' that Italy secure a positive result against the Scots, but stressed the need for the World Cup winners to be patient.
He added: "We must use our heads. We will make a big mistake to be in a hurry to score, this would only be counter-productive for us. We must remember that a game lasts 90 minutes.
"Of course, our aim is to win this game, but this is not the game of our lives.
"For us it's crucial to get a result against Scotland, that is what we have been working for this week.
"We know we will face challenges against them, but we will try to make life difficult for them too."
