By Anna Italia
Covering the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa from an Italian Perspective


 
                                American Born GIUSEPPE ROSSI brilliantly scoring 2 goals and
Roman Gladiator Daniele De Rossi regains his smile after his 2006 World Cup sent off by scoring a gol!!!!
                                USA 1 - 3 Italy 
                          41' Landon Donovan (pen)      58' Giuseppe Rossi
                                                                      72' Daniele De Rossi
                                                                      93' Giuseppe Rossi

Substitutes:  66' Jozy Altidore out, Charlie Davies in             56' Mauro Camoranesi out, Riccardo Montolivo in
                    72' Benny Feilhaber out, Da Marcus Beasley in  56' Gennaro Gattuso out, Giuseppe Rossi in
                    85' Jonathan Bornstein out, Sacha Kljestan in     69' Alberto Gilardino out, Luca Toni in

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Get ready guys,  prepare your snacks, your Italian flags to cheer for the Azzurri.  Time to rock the boat and start with a victory.   What a clash guys. The moment for the Azzurri playing against the USA since the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

I don't care if the superstition is that whoever wins the Confederations Cup does not win the World Cup.  Let's break this superstition and win not only the Confederations Cup, but also the 2010 World Cup!   I AM FOR IT!!!!!  And you?

What I don't want to break is the record of the Italian National team never losing to the United States. Wow, guys, first time both teams met  was in the 1994 World Cup opening game ending with a 7-1 for Italy and the last time ended with a 1-1 draw in the 2006 World Cup.

 

Italy v. USA             Head to Head
3	W	0
3	D	3
11	GS	3

Here is the official lineup starting eleven formation for the United States of America ( USA) by Coach Bob Bradley:

USA:  1 Tim Howard, 2 Jonathan Bornstein, 21 Jonathan Spector, 15 Jay DeMerit, 5 Oguchi Onyewu, 13 Clark, 12 Michael Bradley, 22 Beny Feilhaber,  8 Clint Dempsey, 10 Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore.

The player to watch out for the United States is forward Landon Donovan.

 

Here is the official lineup starting even formation for ITALY by Coach Marcello Lippi:

ITALY: 1 Gianluigi Buffon, 3 Fabio Giorgio Grosso, 4 Giorgio Chiellini, 6 Nicola Legrottaglie, 19 Gianluca Zambrotta, 8 Gennaro Mauro Gattuso, 21 Andrea Pirlo, 10 Daniele De Rossi, 16 Camoranesi, 11 Alberto Gilardino, 15 Vincenzo Iaquinta. 

It's too bad Italy Captain Fabio Cannavaro cannot play this match because he has a calf injury. 

What a moment for forward Giuseppe Rossi!!!  Rossi was born in Teaneck, New Jersey in the United States and had the chance to play for USA, though, he opted to play for the Italian National team making his debut on October 2008 against Bulgaria. Rossi's dream was to play for the  Azzurri since he was living in the USA.

Wave your Italian flags and take turns to cheer for the Azzurri... po po po po po



Ok guys, it's showtime!!!!   Referee Pablo Pozo whistles the beginning of the match and start the rollercoaster!  Forza Italiaaaaaaaaaaaa

Forza Azzurriiiii!!!!!  PO PO PO PO PO

Oh my gosh, guys, forward Alberto Gilardino  from range have a chance to score in the 12th minute!!!!  

Three minutes later, in the 15th minute it is Italy defender Fabio Grosso with the chance to open the score when USA Goalkeeper Howard anticipated and blocks the action.

In the 20th minute, Bradley brought down Italy midfielder Mauro Camoranesi and gets a yellow card.  Taking the freekick is Andrea PIrlo from long range.. geeee guys,  Pirlo shoots and finds Legrottaglie  who heads the ball and don't ask me how he misses it!!!!!    This was a clear chance to score guys!!!!  COmE ON ITALIAAAA

In the 25th minute, it is the USA taking control of the match and Bradley  challenging Buffon who had to make a super save when Legrottaglie fails to deviate the ball.   In the counter attack  Vincenzo Iaquinta runs wildly but it is offside.

Wow, guys, in the 31th minute a direct freekick from Andrea Pirlo from about 30 meters and USA Goalkeeper Howard clears the danger!!!!!

Oh oh spaghetti oh!!!!  In the 33rd minute, you just won't believe it... A bad knee-high tackle from  USA midfielder Ricardo Clark on Gennaro Gattuso and Referee Pablo gives Clark a RED CARD!!!!!! Yep!!!  USA remain with 10 players... wow!!! wow!  woww!

Mamma mia!!!!  Guys,  this is crazy!   In the 38th minute a goal for Italy but FROM AN AMERICAN player!!!!  Guys,  our Roman gladiator Daniele De Rossi makes a pass to Mauro Camoranesi and Bornstein trying to clear danger deviates the ball ending like in a bowling game.... bammmmm directly to the net... lucky for him Referee  ruled out the goal for offside from Camoranesi!!!!!  Saved by the bell!!!  You bet Bornstein must be thanking the heavens!!!!

Two minutes later, and a dark moment for Italy!!!!  In the 40th minute, guys, USA Forward Landon Donovan converts a penalty kick after Referee Pablo granted the penalty for a foul from Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini on Altidore.
USA 1 - 0 Italy

What a luck!!! Well, don't get upset with me guys, but  in a sense I am happy for Donovan because he is one of my favorites players too, though I am mad because Italy is losing and not able to score yet!   So, COME ON ITALIA, WAKE UP!!!!! 

Click the video to watch the penalty from USA forward Landon Donovan.



Guys, USA seem energized and let me tell you that their main asset has been the midfield!  This goal gives them the motivation to beat the reigning champions for the first time!   It's up to Lippi to see how he can rearrange the game.  Forza,, come on guys!

Bam!!! Guys, in the 42nd minute I almost faint with the super shot from Bradley and Buffon barely saving in 2 times!  

Just a minute later and it is defender Gianluca Zambrotta with a long shot trying to surprise USA goalkeeper Howard...  so close guys!

Second half starts without changes and I am praying that Lippi had delivered a SUPER PEP TALK to the Azzurri because we cannot lose this match. 

Gee, it seems the motivational talk is working because Italy is pressing.  You see defender Fabio Grosso in the 49th minute coming from the left until Spector deviates the ball, though no luck because even after the corner Grosso with a left footed shot misses the target.   Come on Grosso, that's fine, boy..  keep trying.

You bet the United States are not willing to allow spaces to Italy!   In the 51st minute, it is a Super Dempsey beating almost all our defense with the clear motivation on his face to score, thanks God he is stopped!  

Just about time guys, in the 56th minute, Italy Head Coach Marcello Lippi makes 2 substitutions.
Gennaro Gattuso and Mauro Camoranesi out, and the time for Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo and the awaited Giuseppe Rossi.  Guys, ESPN commentators have been talking about Rossi during the game saying they were eager to see the "American born" in action.  I was happy to hear that they recognize Rossi as a good footballer with a great future.  I agree with them.

Oh well, you bet I am JUMPINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG, SHOUTINGGGGGG, CRYINGGGGG, why???  Hello, hello, hello, talking abou the American born Giuseppe Rossi and bammmmmm in the 58th minute, not even 2 minutes in the pitch and BAMMMMMMMMMMMMM he equalizes the score.  wow, guys, you have to see the face from Rossi a total joy!  The culmination of his dream to score a goal here in the Confederations against the USA.  Everybody is happy and even Captain Fabio Cannavaro in the bench joins Rossi to congratulate him.  What a moment for Rossi!!!!!!   The guy from New Jersey!!!! 
USA 1 - 1 Italy

Click the video to watch the first goal from Italy forward Giuseppe Rossi in the 2009 Confederations Cup South Africa on Monday, June 15, 2009 USA - ITALY.



Guys,  Vincenzo Iaquinta having a chace to score in the 67th minute, then Pirlo hesting Howard  punching the ball away.  Geee.. on the rebound it is Nicola Legrotaglie to  have the chance  and miss it. 

Say what!!!!  YES. YES. YES, YES!!!!  Hold me guys because now  I am really having a blast!!!!  Why?   hello, hello, hello, in the 72nd minute it is my favorite guy ROMAN GLADIATOR DANIELE DE ROSSI to deliver the winning goal by unblocking the draw!!!!!  Guys, I am crying of joy just watching De Rossi celebrating. A moment of peace for him after he was sent off in the 2006 World Cup precisely in the match against the USA!   What a relief for Rossi... I am soo soooo soooo soooo sooo happy for him and you bet all his teammates too!!!!  Everybody embracing De Rossi!!!!  Cameras also show the face from a satisfied Lippi.   po po po po po
USA 1 - 2 Italy

Click the video to watch the goal from Italy and AS Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi in the 2009 Confederations Cup on Monday, June 15, 2009.



In the 75th minute, USA Coach Bob Bradley makes a substitution. Feilhaber out, Beasley in.

A minute later, Luca Toni creating danger after getting an assist by Andrea Pirlo and Fabio Grosso in the 76th minute. It's so painful to see the will from Luca trying to score and unable to do so.   Forza Luca, come on!  Gee, guys, I want him to start scoring.

In the 80th minute, a scary moment when Landon Donovan claims a penalty for a foul from Legrottagle. Wow, the Referee Pablo Pozo did not think it was  a penalty. 

Both teams battling and USA desperate to equalize again.   In the 85th minute, Coach Bradley makes another substitution. Bornstein out and Kljestan in.

It's been a rollercoaster guys!!!  In the 87th minute, Fabio Grosso making a cross for Luca Toni but fails to control the ball and miss the target.  What a luck for Luca! 

In the 89th minute, it is Landon Donovan providing the assist from a coner to Davies who heads the ball ALONE IN FRONT OF BUFFON  and the ball goes over the bar.

The moment of gloryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy  In the 93rd minute,  BAM BAM !!!!  What happened!!!!  HELLOOO ask GIUSEPPE ROSSSSSIIIII... A super assist from our Sleepy Prince Andrea Pirlo who seems more awake than sleepy coming from the left creating a super pass for Rossi in agonizing time and BAMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Giuseppe Rossi crowning his day with a brace in the 93th minute!!!!!  po po po po po po.   Guys,  I jumped and cried of joy when watching ROSSI kicking that ball with all his strenght to blast the net of USA goalkeeper Howard !!!!!
USA 1 - 3 Italy

It's over guys!  it's over.... it's a joy for the two  ROSSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII...  Giuseppe Rossi and Daniele De Rossi!!!!
How happy I am!!! Gee, I love this "ROSSI" duo LOL.. most of all my Roman Gladiator De Rossi... hip hip hurrah!!!!
Bravo ragazzi, siete forti!   Giuseppe awesome!!!!! 



The two "ROSSI"... a great moment for these two.  Giuseppe Rossi scoring a brace and Daniele De Rossi unblocking the draw to give Italy the lead. 

Click the video to watch the highlights in English from ESPN of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa USA - ITALY including all goals. Commentators Alexis Lalas and Davies.





Photo FIGC / Italian Football Federation.

Italy official lineup in the game USA v Italy during the 2009 Confederations Cup on June 15, 2009.


Photo FIGC / Italian Football Federation.


Photo FIGC / Italian Football Federation.


Italian National Team fixtures for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. 
Click here to buy your Tickets Confederations CupUSA 1 - 3 ITALY
June 15, 2009
Venue: Loftus Stadium, Pretoria, South-Africa

Competition: Confederations Cup
Egypt - Italy
June 18, 2009
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South-Africa

Italy - Brazil
June 21, 2009
Venue: Loftus Stadium, Pretoria, South-Africa


2009 FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa
Group B'
USA 1 - 3 ITALY
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Monday, June 15, 2009
11:30 a.m. USA Pacific time

Attendance:

2009 FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa Group B' USA 1 - 3 ITALY Loftus Versfeld Stadium Monday, June 15, 2009 11:30 a.m. USA Pacific time Referee: Pablo Pozo
United States (USA)		Italy
1	Goals		3
6(4)	Shots (on Goal)		13(9)
15	Fouls		13
1	Corner Kicks		10
1	Offsides		2
48%	Ball Possession		52%
1	Yellow Cards		2
1	Red Cards		0
6	Saves		3

Scorers:  41' Landon Donovan (U)(pen), 58' Giuseppe Rossi (I), 72' Daniele De Rossi (I), 93' Giuseppe Rossi (I)

• Referee: Pablo POZO (CHI)
• Assistant Referee 1: Patricio BASUALTO (CHI)
• Assistant Referee 2: Francisco MONDRIA (CHI)
• Fourth official: Eddy MAILLET (SEY)
• FOF: Evarist MENKOUANDE (CMR)

LINEUPS

USA:  1 Tim Howard, 2 Jonathan Bornstein, 21 Jonathan Spector, 15 Jay DeMerit, 5 Oguchi Onyewu, 13 Clark, 12 Michael Bradley, 22 Beny Feilhaber,  8 Clint Dempsey, 10 Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore.

Substitutes: 3 Carlos Bocanegra, 4 Casey, 6 Heath Pearce, 7 DaMarcus Beasley, 9 Charlie Davies, 11 Wynne, 14 Califf, 16 Kljestan, 18 Brad Guzan, 19 Freddy Adu, 20 Francisco Torres, 23 Luis Robles.

Coach: Bob Bradley

ITALY: 1 Gianluigi Buffon, 3 Fabio Giorgio Grosso, 4 Giorgio Chiellini, 6 Nicola Legrottaglie, 19 Gianluca Zambrotta, 8 Gennaro Mauro Gattuso, 21 Andrea Pirlo, 10 Daniele De Rossi, 16 Camoranesi, 11 Alberto Gilardino, 15 Vincenzo Iaquinta. 

 

Substitutes:2 Davide Santon, 5 Fabio Cannavaro, 7 Pepe, 9 Luca Toni, 12 De Sanctis, 13  Alessandro Gamberini, 14 Marco  Amelia, 17 Giuseppe Rossi, 18 Palombo, 20 Riccardo Montolivo, 22 Dossena, 23 Fabio Quagliarella.

Coach: Marcello Lippi

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What do you think of the result?  Was it fair, yes, no, and why?  Which players surprised you or disappointed you?

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