The USA overcame their numerical disadvantage to hold Italy to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup match on Saturday. The Americans finished the game with nine players after Pablo Masteroeni and Eddie Pope received their marching orders while Italy played one down as Daniele De Rossi saw red. Italy grabbed the lead through a 22nd-minute header from Alberto Gilardino but defender Cristian Zaccardo's own goal five minutes later leveled the score. Italy remained at the top of Group E with four points, one point ahead of the Czech Republic who lost to Ghana 2-0 earlier on Saturday. The Americans remain fourth on one point. Gilardino put Italy ahead against the run of the play when he stretched to connect with an Andrea Pirlo cross and headed home for the opener.
De Rossi In the 27th minute, Zaccardo converted the ball into his own net to give the USA a much deserved equalizer. Shortly after, De Rossi was handed a straight red after he elbowed Brian McBride during an aerial challenge. Masteroeni was also dismissed just before the interval for a harsh tackle on Italy's Pirlo. The American suffered another blow in the 47th minute when Pope collected his second yellow card after an aggressive challenge on Gilardino. Neither side were capable of snatching the three points despite coming close to the goal more than once.
