Scotland have warned world champions Italy they could be in for a bruising encounter in today's Euro 2008 qualifier in Glasgow.
A win for Scotland in their final Group B game would send them through to the finals for their first major championship appearance in a decade.
There are other intriguing ties today, but in Tel Aviv Israel have the opportunity of becoming Group E kingmakers when they face buoyant Russia.
The home side are out of the running for a place in next year's finals but the hopes of second-placed England as well as Russia rest on the result of this game.
France top Group B on 25 points, one ahead of Scotland with Italy a further point adrift but with a game in hand on both.
"It's come to a cup final kind of scenario with this last game. We know what is at stake and the prize on offer for the right result," Scotland striker Kenny Miller said.
"It is a cup final against the world champions to qualify us for our first major championship for 10 years, so it's a huge game."
Scotland have been the surprise package of the group with eight victories so far, although they lost 2-0 in Italy in March.
Italy's preparations have been overshadowed by the shooting of a Lazio fan by a policeman last Sunday which prompted riots in Rome and at Atalanta's match with Milan.
The Italian soccer federation has suspended lower league action this weekend but the Hampden Park game will go ahead with Italy asking UEFA if the team can wear black armbands.
Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero, 33 and Milan forward Filippo Inzaghi, 34, have again been left out of Roberto Donadoni's squad after he hinted last month they were getting too old for international soccer.
Flexible Juventus forward Raffaele Palladino, 23, has been given a surprise first call-up.
Captain Fabio Cannavaro returns from suspension and fellow defender Gianluca Zambrotta has been called up after recovering from an ankle problem but World Cup winner Marco Materazzi is still out.
Victory for Russia today will practically secure them a place in next year's finals with a final group game against bottom side Andorra.
However, a win or draw for Israel will leave the door open for England to qualify when they take on group leaders Croatia at Wembley in their final match next Wednesday.
The Russians are faced with Israel's impressive home record. Tel Aviv is a place where most teams struggle to come away with more than a point. Croatia's 4-3 win there in November 2006 ended Israel's seven-year unbeaten run in the city.
Croatia need only a point against Macedonia today to seal their berth.
Croatia top the group with 26 points from 10 games, ahead of England on 23 from 11 games and Russia on 21 from 10 games. They play England in their last match at Wembley on Nov. 21.
A draw in Skopje will see Croatia through, and coach Slaven Bilic - who has yet to lose a match since taking over in 2006 - said he was confident his players could do it.
"We have enough knowledge, quality, morale and strength to take this last step and qualify for Euro, which we've deserved," he said.