Much of the excitement of the first win over Ghana has fizzed out of Italian fans after watching their team struggle to draw 1-1 with the usa, even though the USA had just nine men for most of the second half.
The difference in the physical condition between the Italian and USA players was obvious with the Italians at times truly struggling to keep up with a determined USA.
Italy scored first with Alberto Giraldino who followed up Andrea Pirlo’s free kick, while the USA levelled thanks to a mistake by Cristian Zaccardo of Italy which send the ball in Buffon’s nets.
Despite the only USA goal being an Italy’s own goals many commendators agree that the USA deserved at least one point from this game where they showed determination and consistency compared to an Italian team that showed confusion and tiredeness.
Italy hit their lowest point when De Rossi needlessly elbowed Brian McBride and was shown the red card, which will exlude him from the game with the Czech Republic this Friday.
The USA had their own share of bad moments with Pope receiving two bookings and Mastroeni a red card after a reckless lunge on Pirlo, reducing the USA team to just nine men.
Over all the game provided few beautiful moments and Italy now finds itself at the head of its group with three points but also a situation where any team can still make it through to the next stage of the World Cup so going for a win against the Czech Republic next Thursday is their only choice.
