Italy have 'no weak points' says US coach

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KAISERSLAUTERN, June 16: US coach Bruce Arena said today that Group E opponents Italy have 'no weak points' but that his side still had hope against the Azzurri in World Cup game.

The US lost their opening game 3-0 to the Czech Republic while Italy beat Ghana 2-0 in their first outing in the finals.

''I know of no weaknesses in the Italy team,'' Arena told a news conference before training today.

The US coach hopes his side, who have never beaten the Azzurri in five meetings, can take what chances come their way.

''You'll get your chances, we need to do better when those opportunities present themselves,'' said Arena who refused to give any hint of his likely team selection.

Arena said the American players had bounced back well from their loss to the Czechs and were well prepared for tomorrow's match at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion.

''The team have trained well. We analysed the Czech game and then we put it behind us. We'll be ready to play, whether we get a result remains to be seen, but we are ready,'' said Arena.

US captain Claudio Reyna said the biggest threat the Italians present comes from their two strikers Alberto Gilardino and Luca Toni.

''Toni and Gilardino are two real goalscorers and they are hungry for goals. They are predators who if they get one chance will put it away,'' he said.

''(Francesco) Totti and (Alessandro) Del Piero are two big players as well...they have experience throughout the team and they are in a more comfortable position than us, having won their first game,'' added Reyna.

Italy's players have displayed little knowledge of their opponents in recent days and Reyna said that could be an extra motivating factor for the Americans.

''It is fine, it is a good challenge for us. Hopefully they'll know us after the game,'' he said.

REUTERS