U.S. notches first win over Italy, 1-0
U.S. players celebrate at the end of a match between Italy and USA, at the Genoa Luigi Ferraris stadium in Italy, (Feb. 29, 2012) Credit: AP
In its 11th attempt, the United States has finally defeated Italy.
Clint Dempsey's strike in the 55th minute secured the Yanks a 1-0 win over Italy in Genoa, much to the delight of head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. The rookie coach had a rocky start to his American campaign in 2011, but has now won four games straight -- the last three by 1-nil scores.
The lone goal came after Fabian Johnson served a ball into the box from the left wing. Jozy Altidore received the ball with a superb first touch and held off his defender for a split second while Dempsey drifted to his right. Altidore played the perfect ball and Dempsey slotted it home into the lower left corner, past an ill-prepared Gianluigi Buffon.
It was Dempsey's 25th international goal, moving him into fourth place on the United States' all-time list. Only Landon Donovan, Eric Wynalda and Brian McBride are ahead of him.
The United States had a 0-7-3 record against the Azzurri heading into today, including that memorable 2006 World Cup match, which ended in a draw after a trio of red cards.
The Americans will face Scotland March 26, and then welcome Brazil to FedEx Field on March 30.
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