Rossi double fires Italy to victory against US

PRETORIA: Giuseppe Rossi set aside the mixed emotions of playing against the country of his birth to inspire Italy to a 3-1 win over the US in Confederations Cup Group B on Monday.

The American-born striker fired home a stunning long-range equaliser just 60 seconds after coming on as a 57th-minute substitute and confirmed Italy's triumph with another goal in stoppage time.

Midfielder Daniel de Rossi banished bitter memories of his last encounter against the Americans with a spectacular shot in the 72nd minute as the Italians swamped their 10-man opponents in the second half.