McLean scored his first international points on his Six Nations debut in the 36–11 defeat to England at Twickenham on 7 February 2009. He scored two penalties in the first-half. He then played against Ireland on 15 February, scoring all of Italy's nine points, converting three penalties in the 38–9 defeat at Stadio Flaminio, Rome. McLean scored a further three points kicking a penalty in the 26–6 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield on 28 February. He featured in Italy's 20–15 loss to Wales on 15 March 2008 at Stadio Flaminio, failing to score any of Italy's points. McLean played in Italy's last Six Nations 2009 match against France on 21 March, losing 50–8.