Italy 1 United States 0

Italy needed a second half strike from substitute Alessandro Del Piero to squeek past the United States in Sicily.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side were poor throughout the friendly and only weak finishing prevented the US from establishing a commanding lead in the first hour.

Four half-time substitutions produced the spark for Italy's goal as Gianluca Zambrotta won a tackle to put Chievo striker Massimo Marazzina clear but he used his run to find a free Del Piero who sank the chance.

But Italy's errors almost gifted the game to Bruce Arena's side.

Cristiano Zanetti allowed Landon Donovan to escape and hit the post early in the game and Ernie Stewart scored a minute later from a free kick from Joe Max-Moore which was deflected to him but Maltese referee Joseph Attard ruled it out for offside.

Fabio Cannavaro then allowed Stewart to win the ball and set up Donovan whose curling shot went close as US capped their best spell but could not find a goal.