Dirty battle ends in draw between USA and Italy

FT Italy 1 USA 1

The United States earned a vital point as they battled to a 1-1 draw with Group E favourites Italy in a World Cup match with three red cards.

The Azzurri looked set to take a step closer to the second round when Alberto Gilardino scored his first goal of the World Cup in the 21st minute.

But the hard-working Americans capitalised on some uncharacteristically sloppy Italian defending to equalise four minutes later, with Cristian Zaccardo’s poor clearance from Clint Dempsey’s cross ending in his own net.

The game took a different turn when Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi sent off shortly after, while the Americans had Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope at either side of half-time.

The Americans survived several late scares with Alessandro Del Piero going for Italy.

Keller denied Italy’s second with a superb save after Del Piero’s first-touch from Pirlo’s wonderful assist.

Del Piero warmed the hands of Keller with a stinging drive which the goalkeeper palmed away.

With four minutes remaining Iaquinta failed to find the target from close-range Del Piero’s deadly cross.

But time ran out for Italy as USA held on for a crucial point.