USA faces Italy in 2009 FIFA Confederation Cup action today, Monday June 15, as USA hopes to beat Italy for the first time in over 75 years. Their last meeting was a 1-1 draw in group stages of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. FIFA oddsmakers at Bodog.com have Italy as -175 moneyline favs over USA (+450) with a draw listed at +250. Be sure to get your 2009 FIFA Confederation Cup: USA VS Italy Prediction in now at Bodog.com
USA are currently in fine form, losing only twice in their last 13 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifiers and fresh off a come-from-behind win over Honduras just seven days ago. The Americans arrived in Africa with a strong, youthful squad. Coach Bob Bradley, who took over from former mentor Bruce Arena after the failures of the last FIFA World Cup finals in Germany in 2006, has assembled a team bristling with spirit and optimism, if a little short on experienced campaigners. USA will need Landon Donovan to be at his best with the help of his teammates. Six members of the current US squad were in the team that drew 1-1 with the Azzurri in group stages of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It was the only point the Americans managed in a demoralizing campaign in Germany, and it was earned the hard way. They can be happy with a draw against Italy knowing that they can at least compete with the best in the world. They have confidence with players such as youngsters Freddy Adu and Jozy Altidore all the way on up to veterans like skipper Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, the same positivity is seen. As Howard said: "We're nobody's favourite for the title. We know that. But we're going to scratch, claw and fight to get some results here." It's a tall order for USA here in South Africa. Up against not only Italy but also Brazil in the first round, they have their work cut out.
Italy is blessed with world-class talent throughout their team and they are on top of European Zone qualifying Group 9 for South Africa 2010, but they have not played a competitive match since 1 April. Italy has never lost to the USA. The last clash between the two ended in a 1-1 draw, in Kaiserslautern at World Cup Germany 2006. Italy will have ten players returning from the ferocious 2006 World Cup team and they’ll have at their disposal a bevy of lethal strikers in the form of Luca Toni, Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Giuseppe Rossi and Fabio Quagliarella. Some tall and powerful, some smaller and trickier, all deadly in front of goal, the Azzurri frontline has scored no fewer than 10 times in their last two friendlies.
2009 FIFA Confederation Cup: USA VS Italy
When: Mon, June 15, 2009 2:30 PM ET
Line: Bodog.com
Pick: Italy -175
Point-Spreads.com 2009 FIFA Confederation Cup: USA VS Italy
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