Italy experiment with a new strike force in tonight’s international friendly against Jurgen Klinsmann’s USA.
Sebastian Giovinco and Alessandro Matri are the front pairing in the match, which kicks off at 19.45 UK time at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa.
Italy experiment with a new strike force in tonight’s international friendly against Jurgen Klinsmann’s USA.
Sebastian Giovinco and Alessandro Matri are the front pairing in the match, which kicks off at 19.45 UK time at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa.
There are also some tests in midfield, as Thiago Motta takes on the trequartista role, while Antonio Nocerino and Claudio Marchisio flank Andrea Pirlo.
Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna gets a rare start at centre-back with Napoli’s Christian Maggio re-routed to full-back.
Italy have faced the United States 10 times and are still undefeated thanks to seven wins and three draws, scoring 32 goals and conceding only four.
However, the most recent meeting was in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup, a 1-1 draw with Italy ending with 10 men and the Americans with just nine.
Italy:Buffon; Maggio, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Criscito; Nocerino, Pirlo, Marchisio; Thiago Motta; Giovinco, Matri
Italy bench: De Sanctis, Abate, Astori, Balzaretti, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Rossi, Montolivo, Borini, Pazzini
USA:Howard; Cherundolo, Goodson, Bocanegra, Johnson; Edu, Bradley, Dempsey, Shea, Williams; Altidore
USA bench: Guzan, Rimando, Cameron, Parkhurst, Spector, Buddle, Kljestan