ITALY defender Marco Materazzi claims next Wednesday's qualifier with Scotland is crucial for the world champions' chances of making another major finals.

The Azzurri play Scotland in Bari and after four games, they lie third in Group B with seven points, two fewer than the Scots and France.

Materazzi is now 33 but the Inter Milan defender says last year's World Cup experience had not lessened his appetite for success.

He scored a goal and converted a shoot-out penalty in last year's final in Berlin but that was overshadowed by his role in the sending-off of France playmaker Zinedine Zidane, who headbutted him in the chest after alleged verbal provocation.

Now, the former Everton player believes the match in Bari is of the utmost importance for the Azzurri.

"This is a crucial game for us," said Materazzi. "I simply don't want to settle for having to tell my kids and grandchildren about our success in the World Cup - I also want to win the European Championship."

"I believe it and I am convinced we will be there," he added.

"The group (of players) is working well. The new arrivals have already settled into their roles. They have the mentality that is needed for Italy."

Sampdoria forward Fabio Quagliarella and AS Roma defender Max Tonetto received their first call ups to an otherwise experienced squad of 25 players, that includes nine of the 11 players that started in the World Cup Final.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni will pare the squad down tomorrow after training.

The world champions haven't played since a 1-1 draw with Turkey in November. A friendly with Romania last month was cancelled after crowd violence in Sicily.