[frostlich]

http://www.goal.com/en-us/match/7711...-vs-usa/report

Italy 0-1 USA: Clint Dempsey goal gives Jurgen Klinsmann's men famous away win
Clint Dempsey netted a second-half winner as the United States scored a huge road win in Genoa.


By Seth Vertelney

A 55th minute strike from Clint Dempsey gave the United States a massive 1-0 friendly win against Italy in Genoa.

The win is the fourth straight for Jurgen Klinsmann's side and undoubtedly the biggest during the German's time as head coach.

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams seeing a fair amount of the ball. The Italians attempted to breach the U.S. defense with long balls over the top, while the U.S. attempted to attack from the flanks, utilizing the space Italy conceded out wide.

U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard was called into action early, making a big save on Thiago Motta from close range just five minutes in.

The U.S. struck back with some nice passing moves, and Brek Shea will feel he should have done better on 10 minutes after dragging a shot wide from the top of the box.

The Italians attempted to exploit the U.S. defense by launching balls over the top, and almost found success in the 19th minute when Sebastian Giovinco's close shot was held by Howard.

Ten minutes from halftime, Jozy Altidore won a free kick in a dangerous spot. Dempsey stepped up and hit it well, but it was right at Buffon, who punched clear.

Italy continued to break through the U.S. back line at the beginning of the second half, but found itself just offside on three occasions straight away.

Against the run of play, the U.S. found the breakthrough in the 55th minute. Fabian Johnson curled in a cross from the left flank and Altidore took it down and laid off well for Dempsey, who fired low and across his body in the far corner, giving Gigi Buffon no shot.

Italy struck back and substitute Fabio Borini had a shot at the top of the box a few minutes later, but it was straight into the grateful arms of Howard.

With just 13 minutes to play, Italy had two great chances to equalize. First, Carlos Bocanegra cut out a cross from Abate that went just over the net for a corner kick, then Jonathan Spector made a huge block to deny Borini off the ensuing corner.

The home side increasingly attacked during a frantic final 10 minutes, with the U.S. dropping back in a defensive shell. Spector, Bocanegra and Clarence Goodson all provided huge defensive efforts in the dying moments to secure the win for the U.S.

Anxious to see the replay. Friendly or no friendly. US played D? Whuaa?!?!

Somebody get Klinsy a voice coach. Needs to bring it down 3 octaves. Sounds a little too much like Elmo...or Hedwig from the Angry Inch.