Preview: Italy vs. USA
GAME DETAILS
Italy vs. United States, Kaiserslautern, 21:00 CET
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THE BIG PICTURE
It’s do or die today for a deflated team USA. After going down 3-0 to an impressive Czech team they need a result to keep hopes of a 2002 repeat alive. That should mean all out attack, which will definitely make things interesting. Italy already have three points in the bag, and won’t be feeling too much pressure, so expect them to follow the Czech Republic’s lead and look to catch USA on the counter. Group E table
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Scout Report – Italy
The Moggi scandal had no adverse effects on this Italian team, as they delighted the nation by eschewing their traditional sluggish start. Ghana gave the Italians a game, but that probably says more about Ghana’s strengths than it does about any Italian weaknesses. As expected, we didn’t see the negative Italy of years gone by, as they played two forwards in Gilardino and Toni with Totti pulling the strings from just behind. A nice middle ground between their natural defensive strength and a dangerous attacking threat. It wasn’t top Totti against Ghana, but he should be nearer to match fitness for this encounter.
Scout Report – USA
The wheels came off the American wagon against the Czech Republic. The long-time game plan of aggressively pressing a Czech team skilled in possession football was torn up after the Czechs took a fifth minute lead. Nedved and pals got numbers back, let Arena’s men have the ball, and then annihilated them on the counter. The biggest disappointment for USA fans was the teams abject lack of ideas going forward. Landon Donovan failed to create, and Brian McBride looked lost and alone up front. Expect a change of personnel and tactics with young, pacey forward Eddie Johnson set to get his chance after being the only bright spot against Czech Republic.
LIVEBLOG
Follow the match highlights as they happen on the USA vs. Italy LiveBlog and stop by to leave your thoughts and comments about the match.
Teams: Likely formation; shirt numbers; name, caps, goals, coach:
Italy (4-3-1-2): 1-Gianluigi Buffon (61-0); 19-Gianluca Zambrotta (52-1), 13-Alessandro Nesta (75-0), 5-Fabio Cannavaro (94-1), 3-Fabio Grosso (18-1); Daniele De Rossi (18-3), 21-Andrea Pirlo (25-5), 20-Simone Perrotta (25-1); 10-Francesco Totti (52-8); 9-Luca Toni (19-7), 11-Alberto Gilardino (156-7). Coach: Marcello Lippi.
United States (4-4-2): 18-Kasey Keller (94-0); 7-Eddie Lewis (71-8), 22-Oguchi Onyewu (15-1), 23-Eddie Pope (81-8), 6-Steve Cherundolo (36-1); 15-Bobby Convey (40-1), 10-Claudio Reyna (110-8), 4-Pablo Mastroeni (49-0), 17-DaMarcus Beasley (59-12); 21-Landon Donovan (82-25), 20-Brian McBride (93-30) Coach: Bruce Arena
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS and win World Cup Prizes!
Where are you watching the game? It doesn’t matter where, we want to know about it and you can win prizes for sharing your fan photos and videos of the match. Send in your photos and video via these instructions. Thank-you to Umbro and Subside Sports for providing the prizes.
IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS
Italy are unbeaten in their last 19 matches and have never lost to the U.S. in five matches dating back to a 7-1 win on the opening day of the 1934 World Cup finals in Rome.
Italy has two microstates within its borders: Vatican City and San Marino.
Anyone reading this with glasses on? The first recorded existence of eyeglasses was in late 13th century Italy.
Italy Team Blog
Team Roster
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U.S. coach Bruce Arena: “We’re not in a coma yet but we’re not going to play with the same plan that we used against the Czechs. We threw that page away after the game and we’ll try to come up with a new one.”
Rupert Murdoch very recently footed the bill for the US Armed Forces Network to air some World Cup matches military personnel, after FIFA refused to do so for free.
The word “soccer” is an abbreviation of “association rules.”
USA Team Blog
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TEAM BLOGS & DISCUSSIONS
Italy Team Blog
USA Team Blog
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Comments


Im in the future.
Posted from
United States




goodbye, USA.
Posted from
Australia




I may not be here for the start of the game but want to be surprised with 1:0 USA before the second half.
Posted from
United States




Unfortunately, I won’t be able to follow the game on this blog, I’m going out to get drunk with friends at a local watering hole. But good luck to the USA!
Sorry Dino, see you at USA v. Ghana!
Posted from
United States




Fightin’ Phils’ Sal Fasano is for Italia. I’m for Italia.
3-0 for Italy and at least a bakers dozen operatic dives by the theatrical Azzuri. A fluttering of yellow cards for all.
Posted from
United States




damn…next game…USA has to win.




Is this Kelong or what from Italy?
vote for the most kelong team at this year’s World Cup at http://kelongstocks.blogspot.com
Posted from
Singapore




ITALY! huh… danm.. they’re doing Italian job. Like a friendly match. wish US will win in next match.
Posted from
Myanmar




italy is gunna win baby, czechs sucks…VIVA italia!!!!
Posted from
Canada


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