Italy coach Marcello Lippi admitted his team had an off night in their 1-1 Group E draw with the United States.

The Azzurri struggled from the off in their second World Cup match and failed to build momentum after Alberto Gilardino gave them a 21st-minute lead.

However, Cristian Zaccardo's own goal and Daniele De Rossi's subsequent sending-off in the opening half proved a hammer blow for the Azzurri who never recovered despite facing an opposition who played for 44 minutes with nine men.

"We didn't play our best game," said Lippi. "It was simply not our night."

Lippi admitted his team had failed to fully recover from their opening 2-0 triumph against Ghana five days earlier.

"I have to justify my players because they had given so much in our opening game," he said.

"I had a feeling that we may suffer due to this although I hoped that this would not be the case."

Lippi admitted he would have strong words with De Rossi after he elbowed Brian McBride.

"My players got nervous and they made very serious mistakes, like that of De Rossi," he said.

"That was a very serious error and we paid the consequences."

Lippi admitted the Americans were the stronger team on the night, despite their two red cards.

"They were very organised, went out really motivated, determined to get a result," he said.

"They showed a lot of quality and heart tonight."

The Azzurri must now take a point or better against the Czech Republic in their last Group E clash if they wish to advance through to the second phase.

"This result leaves everything up in the air," admitted Lippi.

"But it's not a negative result.

"I am happy that today our World Cup starts because this is a wake-up call for us. From now on is simply a case of being in or out."

USA coach Bruce Arena hailed his players who fought hard to earn a point which allowed them to keep alive hopes of reaching the second round.

"Claudio Reyna has had two great games for us, he was fantastic tonight," said Arena.

"Landon Donovan made a fantastic effort today, so did all of our midfield."

Arena particularly praised goalkeeper Kasey Keller who made two crucial late saves to deny Alessandro del Piero.

"He came up big for us today," said Arena. "We never doubted he would."

The American boss questioned some of the refereeing decisions, with his side having to play for almost the entire second half with nine men after Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope were sent off.

"I think it was harsh to have two players sent off in the space of five minutes," he said.

"I've never had two players sent off in a game, this is the first time and I hope the only time.

"I would like to see some of the replays.

"The second yellow on Eddie Pope was a little bit harsh - the player told me after the game he got the ball."

Unlike in their opening 3-0 defeat against the Czech Republic, Arena was satisfied with his team's performance.

"I don't think we lost our reputation in our defeat against the Czechs," he said.

"We knew that we had to give a better showing today and I think we've done it.

"It was a difficult game, lots of fouls and many bookings."

The USA now face Ghana in their last group game with all to play for.

"This result gives us hope," said Arena.

"Perhaps four points will be enough for us to go through.

"Who knows? But one thing is certain, we will fight until the end."