Confidence had been high in the Scottish camp after Saturday's 2-1 win over Georgia saw them remain at the top of Group B, along with France.

But Toni's goals gave the world champions a much-needed victory after four months out of action and just two previous wins in the group.

The Scots won a free-kick in the opening minute but Paul Hartley was wasteful with the effort.

Italy then had a decent chance when Antonio Di Natale released Toni into the box but David Weir managed to block as the shot left his boot.

The hosts took the lead after 12 minutes however when Toni won a free-kick on the edge of the box from a Stephen McManus foul.

Massimo Oddo flighted the ball into the box and Toni left goalkeeper Craig Gordon with no chance with a header from 10 yards.

Scotland had the chance to force their way back into the game when they won their first corner and Hartley sent a dangerous ball into the box.

McManus connected and tried his luck with the shot but the ball fell to the feet of Kenny Miller, whose effort at the near post was cleared.

The Italians almost added to their lead when Mauro Camoranesi set up Di Natale for the shot - and he was only denied by an excellent save from Gordon.

Gordon was then called into action again seconds later, producing another fine save, with Di Natale the danger man once again with a close-range shot.

It was proving to be a busy night for the visiting keeper, who then managed to hold a Toni effort after he had been set up for the shot by Di Natale.

And Scotland's hopes of a comeback were shattered when Toni grabbed his second goal of the night after 70 minutes.

Gennaro Gattuso drove the ball forward to Camoranesi, whose cross was met by the Italy striker and he did well to send a header past Gordon.