The world champions currently lie fourth in Group B, five points behind joint leaders France and Scotland, whose recent form has impressed former AC Milan midfielder Donadoni.

"Scotland are a very physical side, with a lot of quality in midfield," he said.

"They perfectly reflect the philosophy of Anglo-Saxon football and they never give up.

"Despite what I have seen, I will not change my strategy. In Bari we will have to impose our play from the start."

Donadoni has managed just two wins from his seven games in charge after succeeding Marcello Lippi following Italy's World Cup triumph in Germany.

Although they are well off the pace currently, they do have a game in hand on the French and the Scots and Donadoni is refusing to panic.

He added: "I am calm. I don't feel particularly stressed. Ever since I joined the national team I have always felt pretty safe.

"My only concern is to put out an Italian side that is determined against Scotland.

"The comments about the future simply don't interest me."

Donadoni's task against Scotland will not be helped by an injury list which contains key defenders Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Nesta, while playmaker Francesco Totti is out of contention until September due to an agreement with the Italian Football Federation.

The absences add to the tension in the Italy camp with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon admitting the pressure is on the hosts.

"We are aware that we cannot fail," said the Juventus keeper.

"It's not going to be easy against Scotland and we know we will have to give our best. Let's not forget that we are also mentally much stronger than we were in the past."

But Buffon admits the Scots will pose a greater threat at the Stadio San Nicola than they did two years ago in Milan when a pair of Andrea Pirlo free-kicks gave the Azzurri victory in a World Cup qualifier.

He added: "Scotland have grown a lot in the past two years. We did beat them in Milan, but we still suffered."

There was one piece of good news for Donadoni today with English-born midfielder Simone Perrotta passed fit after overcoming a thigh injury.