Kaiserslautern, June 18 :

Italy came out bruised and battered from its 1-1 draw with the United States here on Saturday.

It wasn’t pretty but it was worth it — the Azzurri sit atop Group E after two matches and can ensure their qualification to the second round with a draw in next week’s match against the Czech Republic. Italy beat the African side 2-0 in their opening match on Monday. The Azzurri lead the group with four points, one more than the Czech Republic and Ghana. The US team earned the first point on Saturday.

Midfielder Simone Perrotta said Italy was surprised by the strength of Americans, who held on for a draw despite playing most of the second half at a man disadvantage. By that time, Italy already had Daniele De Rossi sent off for bloodying Brian McBride’s face with his elbow.

The Americans had two players sent off. Players on both teams appeared exhausted at the end of match and neither team was closing down the opposition in the midfield.

De Rossi will miss Italy’s next match against the Czech Republic on Thursday and could face a multi-game ban from world’s governing body, FIFA.

A positive note for Italy was forward Alberto Gilardino’s first goal of the tournament, even though the lead was negated by a Cristian Zaccardo own-goal.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi didn’t criticise his team too much, saying it was tired from its win over Ghana. “Our World Cup begins now. From here on, it’s win or you’re out. That’s the best scenario for us,” he said.