McCulloch focuses on Italian job

McCulloch said the Scots were confident after the Georgia win

Scotland midfielder Lee McCulloch says the side are relishing the prospect of facing Italy after the late 2-1 victory over Georgia.

McCulloch, who starred in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier win at Hampden, said he was delighted with the win.

"It's always good to send the fans home happy and it's good to get three points," he told BBC Sport.

"I think Wednesday's game against Italy in Bari is massive - but we're going there quietly confident."

Scotland fans endured an agonising final 10 minutes before Craig Beattie's late strike clinched victory.

If we get a point against Italy, it's a step closer to where we want to be Lee McCulloch

But McCulloch said he did not think the atmosphere dipped below the pulsating game against France last October.

"I thought the fans were brilliant," he said.

"Maybe because some people were expecting us to win three or four nil, that's just the expectation you get when you're playing for Scotland.

"Maybe the way the press build you up at times, it's like that, but it's just really good to come away with the three points, to be honest.

"I think Scotland sometimes struggle with being favourites. History shows we're better when we're the underdog.

McCulloch said there had been little change in management style since Alex McLeish took over from Walter Smith.

"I think they're pretty similar," said the Wigan player.

"They're both very well organised, and individually, all the players know what they are expected to do.

"As a team, we're very well organised, I don't really see them being much apart."

Roy Aitken has joined Andy Watson alongside McLeish in the new coaching team, and McCulloch said the players had warmed to them.

Scotland boss Alex McLeish (left), Andy Watson and Roy Aitken

"Roy is brilliant to have around. He was a legend when he played and he knows the game inside out," said McCulloch.

"As does Andy, so the three of them are always urging the players on and helping us out."

The fourth official asked "The Bear" to calm down on more than one occasion as he paced the technical area.

"Exactly, if he's shouting at me I'll look the other way," added McCulloch.

"Seriously, the coaching staff have been fantastic and it's good to have them around. It's a good start."

Scotland go to Bari as group leaders and McCulloch said the players would not be fazed by facing the World Cup winners.

"We'll be confident after claiming the three points against Georgia, and excited, basically.

"I'm really excited about it and just hope I'm playing."

But McCulloch believes Scotland will still have work to do to qualify for the finals in Austria and Switzerland - even if they draw against Italy.

"I think if we get a point that's one step closer to where we want to be," he said.

"We won't get carried away, but it's definitely one to look forward to."