Scotland will play Italy and France in friendly matches ahead of the 2016 European Championship, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) confirmed on Tuesday.

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Monday that Euro 2016 hosts France will play Scotland in Metz on June 6 as part of their preparations for the tournament, which begins six days later.

The SFA said that Scotland would also tackle Italy at Malta's Ta' Qali National Stadium on May 29 during a training camp in the country.

"It is imperative we are ready for the start of the World Cup qualifiers in September," Scotland manager Gordon Strachan said in a statement on the SFA website.

"While we would rather be playing France or Italy in the European Championships, we must prepare properly against two top-class teams who will be highly motivated ahead of the finals."

Scotland, who failed to qualify for Euro 2016, are also due to play friendlies against the Czech Republic and Denmark in late March.

They open their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign away to Malta on September 4.