Match winner Chris Paterson said Scotland aimed to go even further in the World Cup after reaching the quarter-finals with an 18-16 victory over Italy in Nantes.

Paterson maintained his 100 per cent kicking record by slotting six penalties against the Azzurri, making it 16 kicks from 16 attempts in the tournament.

Italy responded with a converted try by Italy captain Alessandro Troncon and three penalties by full-back Marco Bortolami.

"It was a gritty performance," said Paterson, who started on the wing in Nantes, with Dan Parks at stand-off.

"We cut short holidays, some of the lads cut short honeymoons to prepare for the World Cup and it was all for tonight and we did it.

"It was close. The conditions played their part. There was a lot of pressure but we wanted to win for ourselves and the fans but we are not finished yet."

Scotland coach Frank Hadden (pictured right) paid tribute to his forwards.

"It was touch and go. When the rain came we knew it would be tough up front," said Hadden.

"I'm really pleased with the progress of the pack. No longer can we be bullied by other teams. The Italians have a great pack but we matched them and held our nerve."

Italy coach Pierre Berbizier said that his side had paid for their lack of discipline.

"The Italians were very strong, but the Scots were better," he said. "We had a problem with our discipline and Paterson made us pay. The Scots were in charge."

Troncon, playing his last match for his country, said that Italy had been competitive but not sufficiently enough.

"I thought we could win right up to the last minute, but it was not to be," said the veteran scrum-half.

"We are all very sad. Finally the end has come for me. There was the opportunity but we did not take advantage."

AFP / Eurosport