“We couldn’t believe it,” said Fletcher. “We got back to the dressing-room and most of the fans were still in the stadium, so we had to go out and show our appreciation and thank them.

“The fans were throwing flags on and it was hard to take and you get such a lump in your throat because, although we’ve lost, the fans are right behind us.

“It was hard to go back out, but everyone wanted to say thank you to them for being behind us this whole campaign. Credit to them because, although we didn’t qualify, they knew we were in a tough group and respected what we’ve achieved.

“We’ve fought, we’ve took it to the last game and I think they respect the fight and the passion we’ve showed. It’s good to see that they are behind us and it gives us great confidence for the next campaign.”

Fletcher was angry with bungling Spanish referee Manuel Gonzalez, who wrongly awarded Italy a last-gasp free-kick after Alan Hutton was fouled, but he was just as annoyed with himself for losing Christian Panucci when the dead ball was swung across.

“We had them on the ropes and it’s unfortunate that we didn’t win the match and have ended up losing,” said Fletcher. “Alan Hutton has done ever so well and just got his body in the way ready to play the ball and the boy (Giorgio Chiellini) smashed him and he’s given a free-kick to them.

“We were closing down behind them the whole game, hardly touching them and they were going down and getting free-kicks, so it’s hard to take.

“I’ve lost Panucci at the back post and I’m disappointed with myself for that because I feel I’ve let down the lads.

“We’ve played the world champions at Hampden and we’ve come in disappointed because we know we could have quite easily won the match bar some silly mistakes and refereeing decisions.”

The draw for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign takes place on Sunday in the South African city of Durban and Fletcher believes a pot two seeding is one positive aspect to come out of the Euro 2008 bid.

“We’ve improved a great deal, it’s been a reasonably settled team and the more we play with each other the better we’ll get.”

His late inclusion by Alex McLeish is another chapter in a remarkable season for the former Dundee United, Kilmarnock and Ross County man, who was signed by the Dark Blues in the summer only as back up to Ludovic Roy.

With the club captain out injured since August, Samson (23) has grasped his chance at Dens with a string of top-class performances.

At Dundee United, too, thoughts were on tomorrow’s game and boss Craig Levein will be there, hopeful of watching three of his players in action.

Set to line up for the home side is central defender Darren Dods, while in the opposition ranks will be full-back Sean Dillon and in-form striker Noel Hunt.

And while their club boss hopes all three do well, Craig admitted he would like to see Dods, in particular, running out in the dark blue of Scotland.

“It’s great for all of them, but with Darren being in his 30s this is probably something he thought had gone for him, so to get the chance now must be special,” he said.

“It’s certainly recognition he deserved because he has been outstanding since he joined us in the summer and will not be out of place.”

After a long weekend off, the rest of United’s first-team squad were getting down to their preparations for the trip to Hibs this weekend.

Back at Dundee, Samson apart, the focus was on the First Division game of the day when leaders Hamilton visit — it’s the only league game on Saturday, but even with a full card would still have had top billing.

Paul Dixon has returned from his stint as an unused sub in the Scotland U/21 win in Slovenia and, although he missed out on that trip because of mumps, Kevin McDonald is expected to be ready in time to face Accies.

“I’m expecting most of the squad to be OK and it will be nice to have a few options for this game,” reported boss Alex Rae.

Meanwhile, neither city club was contributing to speculation that Dens pair Paul Dixon and Scott Robertson would be crossing the road to Tannadice when their contracts expire in the summer.

Dundee are still talking to them about new deals and they are not free to speak to other potential employers until January.