Scotland's 3-1 win over Lithuania on Saturday has set up a mouth-watering contest between the three nations, and Alex McLeish's men have their fate very much in their own hands.

France currently lead Group B with 19 points, one ahead of the Scots. World champions Italy are third in the table a point further back.

On Wednesday Scotland face France in Paris before locking swords with Italy in their final group game in November.

And with so much riding on the two encounters, both France and Italy are acutely aware of the threat posed by Scotland.

"Yes, it is going to be more difficult (against Scotland)," France goalkeeper Sebastien Frey told PA Sport after his side's 0-0 draw with Italy in Milan on Saturday.

"They may not be technically on the same level (as Italy), but they make up for it physically.

"We expect it to be a physically more intense match and, for that reason, we need to recover as quickly as possible after this game. It won't be easy."

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni, meanwhile, concedes that he is happy to have two months to prepare his troops for the crunch encounter at Hampden Park.

"It is very important that we face Scotland later," he said.

"I think this team has spent all it could at the moment, but two months down the line, we should be in a better condition."

With the group so tight, Wednesday's match in the Ukraine could make or break Italy's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008, regardless of events in Paris.

"Three points can make a huge difference," added Donadoni.

"It could be the difference between finishing first, second or third."