US readies for Italy at Confederations Cup

The US men are in South America and ready for Monday's opening match against Italy.  The two sides played to a very entertaining 1-1 draw at the 2006 World Cup.  Both teams will field very strong sides for the Confederations Cup.  Italy will be missing its captain Fabio Cannavaro while the US will be without the services of chief striker Brian Ching both out with injuries.  Cannavaro could be back for the 2nd match, but Ching was left off the US roster.

Both sides are sitting comfortably in their World Cup 2010 qualifying.  Italy lead Group 8 in Europe while the US sit 2nd in CONCACAF qualifying.  The US will benefit from having already been together as a group for almost three weeks, as they prepared for and played difficult World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica and Honduras.

US midfielder Michael Bradley commented "This is a chance to play three really good games a year before the World Cup, in some of the same stadiums," Bradley said. "At the same time, for the team it's an important measuring stick because this time last year we played three games against big teams. And now we have another chance a year later to see the progress we've made."

Italy played a friendly with New Zealand in South Africa last week winning 4-3 on the night.  They will field a very experienced side with players the likes of Buffon in goal, Luca Toni, Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo and Zambrotta.

The match is Monday afternoon 2:30 eastern time to be aired on ESPN.