Klinsmann looks to build after Italy win

USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said the 1-0 win over Italy on Wednesday will be a solid foundation for the future.

Fulham striker Clint Dempsey scored the game’s only goal in the 55th minute to secure the win.

And Klinsmann believes his team will benefit from the experience of playing one of the world’s most prestigious international teams.

“It’s a good victory for us, because it’s always nice to win, but we came here to learn, we came here to see our level against a team such as Italy,” Klinsmann said.

“We wanted to learn something from the tactical point of view and I think my guys did a great job, they were ready and had the right determination for the 90 minutes of play and we also have young players who are improving, they want to get to next level, to the level of Juve, Milan or Inter in the near future, or Manchester United and Liverpool.”

The win was the first by the US over Italy in 11 matches over 78 years.

“As I said some months ago, my aim here in the United States is to make the team understand where the next step is, and I’m talking about Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, the younger players, Fabian Jonhson and Brek Shea – who’s still playing in MLS in United States – and we’re starting to see improvements.