In fact, in 23 meetings over two legs between clubs from the countries, not one Scots side has managed to record a victory in the away game.

Despite those depressing statistics, Dark Blues midfielder Garry Brady is convinced Dundee can rewrite history in the Renato Curi Stadium.

Trailing 2-1 from the first game three weeks ago, Brady knows it is going to be a tough ask, but believes Jim Duffy’s team have the quality to make the second round.

“It is going to be hard, we know that, but I definitely do not think it is mission impossible for us here,” said the former Spurs, Newcastle and Portsmouth man.

“The gaffer has had a word with us and reminded us that the situation we are in is basically being 2-1 down at half-time. When that happens you think you can still win and that is the case tonight,” he said, as the players relaxed ahead of kick-off.

“We played well enough in the first leg to believe a draw would have been fairer than 2-1, and I thought their second goal, when the boy mis-hit his pass, was a bit of a freak.

“They showed they were a decent side, but we did as well, and I think we should go in feeling confident that we have the ability to win by the two goals we need.”

The fact they are behind from the first game means Dundee will adopt an attacking formation tonight.

However, while they will be positive and get forward at every opportunity, Brady has promised a sensible approach.

“It would be great to get an early goal and put the pressure on them, but we realise we have 90 minutes to get the job done.

“What we don’t want to do is throw caution to the wind and give away any easy goals. I think they will be happy to sit in and try to hit us on the break and we have to be careful that does not happen.”

Manager Jim Duffy echoed Brady’s thoughts when he confirmed he will start with an attack-minded 4-3-3 line up.

“We do not want to do anything reckless at the back, but the simple fact is we have to win and we will be going for it.”

He was impressed with the stadium pitch when the players trained on it last night and believes it will help his players.

“I would not say it is the best I’ve seen this season, because there are some good pitches at home as well, but it is a very impressive surface.

“They will say that will suit the Italian players because they have better technique, but I think we are one Scottish team who can argue their technique is as good as you see in places like this.

“We will enjoy playing on that surface and, hopefully, it will bring out the best in the players.”

Meanwhile, Jim laughed off the bizarre start to training last night, when his men had to warm-up in darkness until a groundsman was found and the lights switched on.

“These things happen, and it did not effect what was a very good session for the boys,” he added.

Dens Park officials also pointed out that Perugia made amends by allowing Dundee well over the hour-long session UEFA rules permit them.