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GLASGOW, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Defender Christian Panucci's stoppage-time header sent Italy and France through to Euro 2008 after the world champions won 2-1 in Scotland on Saturday to end the home side's hopes.
Italy top Group B with 26 points ahead of France in second on 25 with both teams having one game left. Scotland, who have completed their fixtures, miss out on 24 despite beating the French twice.
"We knew we would have to play a physical game and given the weather conditions even more so. To say my players were magnificent is an understatement," Italy coach Roberto Donadoni told Rai television.
"All the players deserve it. This Italy team has character and they have done so much."
POURING RAIN
Luca Toni put the visitors ahead after two minutes when the sleeping Scottish defence let Antonio di Natale collect a throw inside the box and square for the Bayern Munich striker to prod the ball home in the pouring rain.
Scotland equalised on 65 when Barry Ferguson, looking offside, netted from close range after Gianluigi Buffon spilled Lee McCulloch's shot.
The game appeared to be heading for a draw, which would have kept qualification open ahead of Italy's home match with Faroe Islands and France's trip to Ukraine on Wednesday.
But Panucci's towering header from Andrea Pirlo's free kick broke Scottish hearts and sent Italy into ecstasy.
It had a mixed effect on France coach Raymond Domenech.
Domenech, who had predicted a draw, told French radio station RTL: "They (Italy) proved me wrong for once. I thank them but deep in my heart, I wanted to play a decisive game in Ukraine.
"I'm torn between satisfaction, because our new generation got over the obstacle, and disappointment as our game in Ukraine will be without pressure, intensity and with no real danger.
"I think that if you want to build a new generation, they have to go through hard times. I'm relieved but at the same time a bit upset."
Aside from the goals and the dramatic finale, it was a game with plenty of action.
In the first half Scotland had a penalty appeal for handball turned down when Gianluca Zambrotta blocked McCulloch's shot while David Weir had a header nodded off the line by Pirlo.
Di Natale had an effort ruled out for offside at the other end after Scotland keeper Craig Gordon had kept out Massimo Ambrosini's shot.
James McFadden, who scored Scotland's winner in France in September, had two good chances in the second period but blasted wide.
(Editing by Tony Jimenez)
