[RRRRICK]

Italy can be beat too, but, it won't be easy. The US will have to make the most of their chances, and that will be hard considering that Buffon is arguably the best keeper in the World. Italy's front line though will have a hard time. Pippo has been overrated for a long time, Del Piero has never regained his amazing form pre-injury, Cassano isn't consistent, and Vieri has been showing his age in recent years. The key again will be whether or not the US will be willing to play ugly and put the boot to the italian midfielders. We will probably have to play a defensive 3-5-2 or a defensive 4-4-2.

KDawg

You're not really mister current affairs when it comes to the azzurri. Vieri, Del Piero, Inzaghi and Cassano are not givens to make Italy's 23 man squad. Lippi will go to the World Cup with a fresh young striking pair of Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino. Toni is runaway leading scorer in Seria A and both men have shown the ability to hit the back of the net for the national team.

Given Totti is a certainty if Italy name 5 - 6 forwards one or two of mentioned players will miss out.