"Italy have a few what I would call key players in the team," said Amoruso, "But none more so than Pirlo. I would say that around 70 per cent of everything they do attacking wise comes through his feet.

"He is a dangerous guy, not only for his free-kicks but from the ability he has to find a pass in behind defences.

"Up front you have powerful players like Luca Toni, but Pirlo makes it all happen. I am sure Alex McLeish will be telling his midfielders that they need to try and get on top of him.

"That could be so important for Scotland, as Pirlo is the player who flows everything to the attack."