McLeish: We're really hurting

Scotland manager Alex McLeish admitted he and his players were "really hurting" after their Euro 2008 dream was cruelly and dramatically shattered.

A 2-1 defeat to Italy at Hampden eliminated McLeish's side and sent Italy through to next summer's finals.

McLeish told BBC Radio Scotland: "I can't say it doesn't matter, of course it matters, we're really hurting. We were so close, if Faddy's (James McFadden) chance goes in then Italy are probably out of the tournament."

At 1-1, Scotland were still in with a chance, but Christian Panucci's last-minute header from Andrea Pirlo's free-kick - a set-piece which should not have been awarded to the Azzurri - shattered Scottish dreams.

Alan Hutton was clearly barged over by Giorgio Chiellini but the Italians were awarded the free-kick, despite being the offenders, and made the most of their good fortune.

"I could go 'radio rental' (mental) here but I'll resist that temptation," added McLeish.

"It was a very poor decision. I couldn't understand why our man in charge of the ball ended up getting a free-kick against him.

"Alan Hutton put his body across and the guy barged him. How the assistant referee can give that decision against Scotland - it defies belief.

"We had the Italians on the ropes late on in the second half with Faddy's shot, Kenny's square ball and my life flashed before me and I thought, 'It's the winner'," continued the Scotland boss.

"I can't blame anybody. They've been brilliant for us, the whole bunch of players, and the Italians go up (the pitch), they get a dodgy decision."