USA vs. Italy: Depleted USMNT Must Start Buying into Klinsmann's System

Jurgen Klinsmann's American squad has yet to legitimately field its best 11 players. Superstar Landon Donovan is scheduled to miss his eighth straight international competition, and he's yet to line up alongside fellow superstar Clint Dempsey under the German coach's rule.

The American's are 4-1-4 since the striker became coach, and soon enough they'll be playing in actual meaningful games rather than just international friendlies.

Before they reach that point they'll have a chance to compete against another new-look team in the Azzurri. Italy has a rash of injuries leveled against its top scoring threats, and there isn't much experience in the midfield outside Andrea Pirlo. Their back line and keeper, Gianluigi Buffon, however, are still going to be very good. 

They too will soon play meaningful competition and will take this opportunity to hopefully get things on track.

But the US has more to gain in the Leap Day battle at Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Italy. On top of their injury concerns and chemistry, the USMNT have traditionally struggled on European soil, not to mention against former World Cup winners. A win here would be a huge accomplishment for the Americans.

More than that, however, they need a good performance by key players.

Jozy Altidore needs to make Klinsmann's 4-3-2-1 alignment work for him. Michael Bradley, who finally has a chance to contribute, needs to continue his push to be a legitimate playmaker who can bridge the midfield and forwards. And Dempsey, without Donovan, needs to prove he can carry this squad if the Galaxy star (who just finished a two-month loan to Everton in the Premier League) can't get back on the pitch.

The USMNT doesn't have time to continue playing important friendlies without developing as a better squad together—injuries are part of the game and they may never be fully healthy.

A difficult battle with the Azzurri is a challenging test, but a great opportunity to come together in their coach's system.