USA vs. Italy: Key Questions Heading into Important Friendly for Americans

The United States and Italy will face of in an important friendly match on Wednesday afternoon, albeit for completely different reasons. The Americans will be looking to continue recent momentum under new manager Jurgen Klinsmann, while the Azzurri are preparing for Euro 2012.

Here are three questions American fans will be looking for the answers to during the clash.

Where will Clint Dempsey line up?

Wednesday was supposed to be Dempsey's first game playing alongside Landon Donovan in the Klinsmann era, but the Los Angeles Galaxy star was forced out of the match due to illness. It will be interesting to see where Dempsey plays without Donovan's presence.

During Bob Bradley's time at the helm, Dempsey spent a lot of time in the midfield, but his goal-scoring prowess in the Premier League this season should push him up top next to Jozy Altidore. The biggest issue since Klinsmann took over has been a lack of goals.

The last time Team USA produced constant pressure up front was when Altidore was working with rising star Charlie Davies, who still hasn't returned to 100 percent after his tragic car accident. Maybe the combination of Altidore and Dempsey can be something special.

Does Brek Shea continued to get featured?

Shea has been one of the most impressive players over the past few international matches, but with some veterans returning, the competition for playing time will increase. Players like Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu will be looking to earn their spots back.

That puts pressure on the FC Dallas star to prove his worth. He hasn't scored in 11 caps, but has regularly been the most dangerous American in the attacking third. Eventually the results will have to bear that out, however.

Klinsmann has shown a tendency to look beyond the status quo to fill out his lineup. So, for every player on the fringe, each game becomes increasingly important as the 2014 World Cup cycle nears. Shea is in good shape right now, but needs to keep up his solid play.

What will the back line look like?

The United States have recorded two straight clean sheets, but neither came against opponents nearly on the same as Italy. The back line has been prone to mental mistakes against elite competition, so Wednesday's match will be a terrific gauge of their progress.

Captain Carlos Bocanegra should be among those selected for the starting lineup, but other than that, it's tough to guess who will get the call. Veteran Steve Cherundolo doesn't have much time left at the international level, and nobody else has more than 33 caps.

It's definitely an area of concern moving forward, as the team gets deeper into CONCACAF qualifying. Being able to develop some chemistry among the defenders will eliminate some of the mistakes that have plagued the team in the past.