Italy fear American backlash

KAISERSLAUTERN: Italy fear that the United States' determination to keep their World Cup hopes alive will make them dangerous opponents here in Sunday's Group E match.

The Americans were trounced 3-0 by the Czech Republic in their opening game and are in danger of an early exit, while victory for the Italians could be enough to earn them a last 16 place.

"We won't be underestimating the United States because they have to win against us or they're out," said Andrea Pirlo, scorer of Italy's first goal in their 2-0 win over Ghana which stretched their unbeaten run to 19 matches.

"They were well beaten by the Czechs in their first match, but that will only make them more determined to get the three points. They know that they have to play the game of their lives."

Italy coach Marcello Lippi admitted he was surprised by the ease with which the Czech Republic beat the Americans.  "I was expecting a closer match because the USA have made giant strides in the last five years," he said.

"They reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup four years ago and came here full of confidence."

Defender Gianluca Zambrotta is in line for a recall for Italy after recovering from the left thigh strain which kept him out of the Ghana match.

Tenacious midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, also absent against the Ghanaians, is making good progress after feeling a recurrence of a right leg injury and could play some part.