The pulsating script being written in Group B took another unpredictable turn when Scotland humbled France to race clear at the top. What next for the Azzurri, Les Bleus, and the Scots, who face a Ukrainian trial in Kiev.
Who Would Have Thought?
When Italy and France were drawn in the same group - with Scotland and Ukraine on the side - who would have thought that after three games, it would be the Scots at the top, three points clear of the French, and five ahead of the Italians?
Yet, that is as it stands, as we head into round four.
Ukraine Test For Leaders
The tastiest dish on the menu this time around is the Scots' visit to Kiev to take on Ukraine, who are also desperate to make their presence felt in this formidable group.
Oleg Blokhin's boys did not embarrass themselves in Rome by any means, and that will give them a lot of belief as they bunker down, in wait for Walter Simth's troops.
That said, few teams - all seven groups combined - have displayed as much tenacity as the Scots, who bore the brunt of France's domination with incredible resolution, before snatching their booty on Saturday.
A win in Kiev is certainly not beyond them, given that Ukraine seem to have taken a step - albeit a tiny one - backwards since making it to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. But then again, they have Shevchenko back to inspire them, and their fircely loyal fans to carry them that much further.
An absolute cracker on the cards!
An Azzurri Rennaisance!
The 2-0 win over Ukraine in Rome, though not too pleasing for the purists, was just the shot in the arm that Italy's qualifying campaign needed. With their first win under their belts, Donadoni and his charges can now prepare themselves to scale higher peaks.
And that is exactly what Donadoni has on his mind, keen, as he is, to leave his own indelible mark following Lippi's now historic era. Quickly chasing down France and Scotland, is the task at hand.
The trip to Georgia is a great opportunity for the Azzurri to pick up another three points, and continue their charge towards the sharp end of the group. And yet, it is a potential banana-skin, given their slip up at home against Lithuania on the first matchday. Also, anything but a win will plunge them into crisis, particularly if France and Scotland pull away, and that could play on their minds if Georgia make an early impression at home.
That said, if the Azzurri continue on their upward trend, there will only be so much Georgia - with all due respect - will be able to do.
French Anger And Poor Faroes!
In the final game of the group, a France still seething over their reverse in Glasgow host Faroe Islands, who have been whipped 6-0 by both Scotland and Georgia. Such was the desolation, that the 1-0 defeat to Lithuania on Saturday was met with muted celebrations.
Les Bleus want to lash out, and the poor Faroes are going to be little other than punching bags. However, more significant, is the need to chase down Scotland quickly, and keep their noses ahead of a rejuvenated looking Italy, as the twists and turns in this fabulous group continue.
Abhishek Thakur
Azzurri, Les Bleus, Scots
Moderators: BillShankly, arxidi, ruud, Judge Judy, Forum Admins
Italy will beat Georgia convincingly, The Frogs will bombard the Faroes with Nuclear WarBalls and Ukraine will beat Scotland in Kiev to make this Group even more interesting than what it is already. Final Matchday will determine who goes to Austria/Switzerland and who stays home to watch from the couch 
Hawkesy wrote:COLOSSUS...........Congratulations, you have won the title fair a square.
PLEASE WELCOME THE NEW WNID UP KING
