DARREN FLETCHER has admitted that Scotland ‘didn’t keep the ball well’ against Italy but insists ‘our motivation is high’.
Gordon Strachan’s side were beaten 1-0 by the Azzurri in Malta on Sunday, but the margin of defeat could’ve been far greater after a dismal display from the Scots.
The Tartan Army only mustered one shot on goal, which was off target, and struggled to keep possession as Graziano Pelle's strike decided the outcome.
Read more: Scotland keeper Marshall calls for stark improvement against France after Italy loss
West Bromwich Albion midfielder Fletcher admits that his side must improve ahead of facing France in Metz on Saturday.
“There’s no doubt Italy are a quality side, they were the better team and deserved the victory,” Fletcher told the SFA.
“We stuck at it and worked hard and there’s a lot of lessons to be learned. The pitch was very difficult and we didn’t keep the ball well enough at times, we’re disappointed by that.
“But the attitude and the application were good and everyone stuck at it until the end.
“[The positives are] just the experience of it and learning to play against the system that Italy played with, how we deal with that and playing in these conditions out here.
“When you lose football games you learn from them and playing against a top class side there’s plenty to learn from.
“But one thing about our lads is that the spirit, the determination and the dedication are there.
“It’s just if we can improve a bit on the ball and keep possession better at times and maybe engage them a bit higher up the pitch and not be as deep, sat on the edge of our box – we have plenty to learn.
Read more: Italy 1, Scotland 0: Slack finishing from the Azzurri spares Scotland's blushes in Malta
“It’s a good test and it gets you ready. You learn more about yourself in defeat. We’re going to have to do a lot of recovery as there’s a few tired legs.
“But the motivation is high. We’ll look over this game and learn from it and then go and try and win in France against another top side.
“We’ll pit ourselves against them and it’s great preparation in the build-up to the World Cup qualifiers.”
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