USA have been defeated 3-1 by reigning World Cup champions Italy in their first match in the Confederations Cup. Team USA were reduced to ten men when Ricardo Clark was sent off in the 33rd minute for a late challenge on Gennaro Gattusso.

But, against the odds, the US hit the lead in the 39th minute thanks to a converted penalty from Landon Donovan.

The LA Galaxy star scored his 40th goal for the national team to guide his team to an unlikely lead but 13 minutes after half-time, a US-born player equalised for the Azzurri.

Giuseppe Rossi was born in Teaneck, New Jersey but decided to turn his allegiances to Italy and after coming on as a substitute in the 57th minute, levelled the scores moments later.

The contest ebbed and flowed from then on but turned for the worse for the US when Daniele De Rossi beat goalkeeper Tim Howard with a 35-yard shot.

An injury-time goal from Rossi wrapped up the match but the US believe it was a lost opportunity, especially with a questionable red card.

"The red card made all the difference," Landon Donovan said.

"Eleven guys from each team were prepared and ready to play the game, and the guy in the middle with the whistle wasn't."