US Soccer vs. Italy: Projecting Starting Lineup, Prediction and More

The upcoming friendly against Italy on Wednesday in Genoa will be a great test for the United States Men's National Team.

Coming in, this match had an added subplot: It was to mark the first time in the Jurgen Klinsmann era that both Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan would play together.

Considering the impressive form both players are displaying, it would be fascinating to see how the duo would stack up against a respected opponent such as the Azzurri.

It was all for naught, however, because Donovan recently withdrew from the match due to bronchitis.

It’s got to be frustrating for Klinsmann. He has yet to fully have his two best players together in a fixture under his tutelage. It's paramount for a semblance of consistency and repetition, especially when incorporating a completely foreign system.

Both Donovan and Dempsey are easily the best two attacking options the team currently has. Each allows for versatility; Dempsey can be employed as a striker, winger and as a trequartista.

Similarly, Donovan is adept out on the flank and in a central role behind the target striker.

The inclusion of both players opens up the field considerably for the rest of the team.

Donovan's pace and cleverness creates space for other players, and his intelligence on the ball is impressive.

He's able to pick out teammates with pinpoint accuracy.

Dempsey is even more effective when he has Donovan next to him to share the opposition's focus.

With Donovan on the field, he has the freedom to roam around in the final third and latch onto passes in threatening areas.

Without both available at the same time, the ability to score goals under the former German superstar has been problematic for the national team.

Since Klinsmann has taken over, the side has only scored seven goals in nine games. The national team has been shut out four times in those nine games and has scored more than one goal only once.

That’s not exactly a recipe for success.

With the inclusion of Donovan to the starting lineup (when he's healthy), it will immensely help the anemic attack.

The preferred formation for Klinsmann is a 4-3-3. This style is predicated upon a free-flowing, expressive approach—ultimately with the intention of creating many goal-scoring chances.

A transition to this format is undoubtedly going to take some time, but the team has been quite stagnant in regards to goal-poaching opportunities.

The thing is, any national team has to define a certain style of play to use. A manager has to effectively utilize the backgrounds of his respective players while coming up with a cohesive game plan, playing to their respective strengths.

I’m just not sold that the current player pool is able to play a 4-3-3, or even a 4-2-3-1. There is a glut of solid midfield options, but a lack of attacking options, which are prohibiting Klinsmann from effectively using this attack-minded formation.

Nevertheless, there is still an abundance of optimism under the gaffer. This friendly against a world power in Europe provides a great stage for a positive result.

Let’s Take a Look at a Possible Formation Against the Italians…

Jozy Altidore

Brek Shea     Clint Dempsey     Fabian Johnson

Danny Williams  Michael Bradley

Jonathan Spector   Carlos Bocanegra  Clarence Goodson   Steve Cherundolo

Tim Howard

Johnson has played left-back recently for his club side Hoffenheim—his elusive position has plagued the national team for some time. However, I don’t know if Klinsmann will want to experiment with a young player against a staunch Italian side.

Conceivably, it would not surprise me to see him start at left-back, but I just think Spector will get the nod.

Williams has played out on the flanks for Klinsmann during his stint with the national team. However, he’s not naturally a wing player.

For his club Hoffenheim, he’s much more comfortable playing as a central defensive midfielder. With Edu’s lack of effectiveness lately, I could see Williams slotting in next to Bradley.

Defensively, I figure Klinsmann will opt for an experienced quartet. Newcomer Geoff Cameron might be involved in a substitute role, but I can’t see him being “thrown to the wolves” against the former World Champion on Italian soil.

Up top, Altidore most likely gets the nod. With the dearth of attacking options, Klinsmann really has no other option but to send the 22-year-old out as the poacher.

Altidore recently lost his starting spot at club side AZ Alkmaar, but he turned in an impressive showing this past weekend—netting a brace.

Truthfully, Altidore isn’t very successful as a lone, target forward. He needs a complementary partner to aid in scoring opportunities.

Too many times, Altidore chases after the ball and effectively takes himself out of the game. In addition, he’s not extremely good at holding the ball up.

If the team is to create more scoring opportunities, a second forward should be employed to help with link-up play. Edson Buddle could be an option to start alongside Altidore.

Dempsey will likely push up and play as a second striker later in the game, offering support.

The most fascinating inclusion to the roster has to be 21-year-old Borussia Dortmund forward Terrence Boyd. Less than a week ago, Boyd was training with the U-23 side, but Klinsmann felt as if the German-born striker was ready for senior team minutes.

Whether he gets into the game or not, Klinsmann is drooling over the prospects of the youngster. Without a doubt, Boyd represents the future for the national team up top.

Watch out for Sacha Kljestan as well. His inclusion marks the first time he’s been called in by Klinsmann. The former Chivas USA midfielder has been impressive during his spell in Belgium for Anderlecht. He’s truly developed into a box-to-box midfielder, and his vision as a passer is really notable.

He could be a prime choice as a substitute in the center of the pitch, looking to add invigoration into the offensive attack.

What to expect from the Italians

With the Italians, there’s not much surprise as to their style of player. Defensively, they employ a staunch, compact, low-pressure concept. By packing it in, they effectively hunker down and make it extremely difficult to get quality scoring chances.

Keeper Gigi Buffon is one of the best in the world. His ability between the sticks might only be rivaled by Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

On the back line, Italy is led by talented centre-back Giorgio Chiellini. Also watch for Ignazio Abate. He likes to get forward from his outside back position and attack with his immense pace.

Offensively, the engine lies within their impressive midfield, led by the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Riccardo Montolivo.

Pirlo is a maestro in the centre of the park. He won’t beat you with athleticism or speed, but he’s superlative with his passing ability and technical prowess.

Up top, the Italians are going through a transition. Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Balotelli aren’t part of the squad due to injury and behavior, but there are other quality options for the Azzurri.

Juventus forward Alessandro Matri has been performing extremely well in Serie A and should garner a start up top. Also, 20-year-old striker Fabio Borini should see some time after his impressive form of late for club side Roma.

Sebastian Giovinco, nicknamed "Formica Atomica" (the "Atom Ant"—alluding to his 5’4” stature) will also add some punch to the attack for the Italians.

Prediction

This will be a tough game for the USMNT. Playing on European soil is no easy task, especially when playing against a squad the caliber of Italy.

I do see some areas in which the United States can exploit, namely with their pace and due to the stellar form of Dempsey.

However, without Donovan and a true goal scorer up top, Italy will make it very difficult for the USMNT to come away with a positive result.

The Italians are masters at the counter attack, and if Klinsmann’s boys are pushing up the pitch too far on a scoring chance, the Italians will make them pay.

Final Score: Italy 2, United States 1

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