The US midfielder Ricardo Clark received a straight red card for lunging at Italy midfielder Gennaro at Gattuso after 33 minutes.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the US surprisingly went ahead four minutes before the break.

Jozy Altidore stepped inside Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, who naively brought him down as the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

The US all-time scorer Landon Donovan stepped up to send Gianluigi Buffon the wrong way and put his side in front.

Italy's attacking trio Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Mauro Camoranesi struggled to break down the US defense.

The Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi introduced Rossi and Riccardo Montolivo instead of Gattuso and Camoranesi in a bid to inject zeal in the second half.

The lively Rossi made an immediate impact, scoring the equalizer on 59 minutes with a superb long-range drive.

Daniele De Rossi gave Italy the lead on 72 minutes when he fired a powerful low bullet that left keeper Tim Howard with no chance.

Rossi ensured the win deep into stoppage time when he volleyed home Andrea Pirlo's cut back from inside the area.

Italy moved top of Group B on three points, ahead of Brazil, who snatched a last-gasp 4-3 victory over Egypt earlier in the day, on goal difference.

The world champions then face African champions Egypt on Thursday.