Pretoria - The Italians proved why they are called the world champions when they thrashed an equally determined USA team 3-1 in a breathtaking Group B match of the FIFA Confederations Cup on Monday night.
Even coach Marcello Lippi probably could not believe the incredible come back staged by his boys when the USA tried to give the Italians a run for their money in the first half.
The crowd at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium was just brilliant; something which helped both teams to fight with determination and in the end football was a winner.
The first 15 minutes of the game belonged to Italy though; petty they failed to convert into goals some of their clear-cut chances. The Italians were a more organised side and demonstrated a determination when launching their attacks.
The US lacked consistency and were nearly punished in the 10th minute of the game, but thanks to a brilliant save from defender Jay Demerits who kept Italy's Fabio Grosso's shot out of the box.
Demerits was booked in the 20th minute, nearly costing the US when a free-kick was awarded to Italy just outside the penalty box.
Midfielder Michael Bradley will probably not forgive himself for failing to convert yet another clear-cut shot in front of the goals which should have put the US in the lead as early as the 25th minute.
The US played one man short after Ricardo Clark got his marching orders from Chilian referee Pablo Pozo in the 33rd minute for a late tackle on Gennaro Gattuso. But moments later, the Americans were back on the game when Donovan scored through a penalty to give the US a 1-0 lead just before half time.
By half time, Italy had failed to find the back of the net, but a decision by coach Lippi to reshuffle his side paid off when the Italians bounced back to equalise after a superb strike by substitute Giuseppe Rossi in the 58th minute.
Italy came out firing and Daniele De Rossi gave his side a lead when his brilliant kick outside the box beat US keeper Tim Howard hands down.
The goal led to panic by the US and even Donovan, who had earlier in the game demonstrated an incredible energy, seemed to have slowed down his game.
Rossi put the final nail on the US's coffin when he netted his brace in the 90th minute through a pass from Andrea Pirlo.
Rossi, 22, scored four goals at last year's Olympics. He made his debut with the senior Italian national team last October as a substitute in a match against Bulgaria.
The Italians, who are making their Confederations Cup debut, qualified for the tournament as world cup champions.
Monday's win places them on top of Group B.
However, Italy should not celebrate as yet as its still needs to survive top dogs like Brazil, Spain and Egypt.
Since the inauguration of the Confederations Cup, no winner of the tournament has gone on to win the world cup.
It will be interesting to see how the best performing team in this tournament will fare during the 2010 FIFA World Cup next year.
