World champions Italy defeated the United States 3-1 in the Group B match of the FIFA Confederations Cup tournament on Monday in the South African administrative capital of Pretoria.

Azzurris in light blue shirts did not have any clear advantage in the first half due to the high defensive line maintained by the United States. Confronting such a strong opponent, the United States was dealt a blow in the 33rd minute when midfielder Ricardo Clark picked up a red card after fouling on AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso.

The deadlock, however, was broken by the United States seven minutes later when Giorgio Chiellini brought down Jozy Altidore inside his penalty area. American captain Landon Donovan took the responsibility and hammered home the ball home.

But Italian substitute Giuseppe Rossi proved the choice of his coach Marcello Lippi was right by equalizing in the 58th minute with a long rocket shot, just two minutes after his appearance in the field.

His teammate Daniele de Rossi continued the drive to victory in the 71st minute by sliding the ball into the side netting.

Giuseppe Rossi scored another goal from close range, four minutes into stoppage times.

The result came after South American champions Brazil dashed African power Egypt's hopes with a last-minute penalty, ending their Group B match 4-3.

(Xinhua News Agency June 16, 2009)