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Thursday, March 1, 2012

Friendly: Klinsmann's USA shock Italy

Italy's Sebastian Giovinco produced the hosts' first real chance when his effort forced US keeper Tim Howard into action.

Then the Italians had the ball in the back of the net on 25 minutes only for Alessandro Matri's shot to be ruled offside by Turkish referee Firat Aydinus.

On 37 minutes Italy captain and keeper Gianluigi Buffon - one of the few survivors of the 2006 semi-final win - could only palm away United States veteran Dempsey's stinging shot.

Thiago Motta saw his threatening half volley gratefully scooped up by Howard two minutes from the interval.

The sides went into the break after a first period in which the Italians were unable to capitalise on their superior possession against a committed US side.

On 55 minutes the deadlock was broken when against the run of play Jozy Altidore did well to set up Dempsey whose left-footed drive left Buffon with no chance at all.

Michael Bradley, son of Klinsmann's predecessor in the US hotseat, Bob Bradley, and the only Italy-based player in the visitors side was one of the stars for the United States and only his timely tackle stopped the lively Giovinco in his tracks.

The Italians were having difficulty breaking through the stout US defence led by skipper Carlos Bocanegra and Bundesliga-based Steve Cherundolo, and despite late pressure the US held on for a memorable win.

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