Playing mighty Italy after a disappointing World Cup defeat is just the sort of challenge needed for the United States to prove the team's character, US coach Bruce Arena said this week.

"This is the moment to shine, to step up and show what you're about," Arena said. "I think they are ready to give a good effort."

Giving no hints of the lineup changes he plans for Saturday's match, Arena said he expects players to answer their wake-up call and play better then than they did in a 3-0 loss Monday to the Czech Republic in a Group E opener.

US fears Italian strikers

"All we did is loose a game. The challenge in any sport is how you respond," Arena said. "Naturally there is over-reaction in the short term. If there is any kind of quality in the team, you bounce back."

But the US will need more than morale-boosting to perform against the Azzuri, who thrashed Ghana 2-0 in their first World Cup game.

Fiorentina striker Luca Toni and AC Milan forward Alberto Gilardino are Italy's top threats, supported by some of best set-up men in the sport.

"The guys we're most concerned about are their two strikers, who are probably among the best tandem of strikers in the World Cup," Arena said. "Both are tremendous finishers. Gilardino is a lethal finisher inside the box and he is in position all the time," Arena said. "They have an excellent midfield. If they sit back, you need to be patient, pick your chances, not get caught on the break. They are going to be selective on how they attack you."

The US need at least one point to have a chance of advancing after crashing 3-0 to the Czechs in their opener.

More than just a game

The Americans are already looking forward to a World Cup homecoming in Kaiserslautern, which is close to a major US air base. Renamed "K-Town" by the 55,000 American soldiers and their families stationed there who struggle to pronounce its German name, the smallest World Cup venue is probably the most Americanized city in Europe.

US striker Eddie Johnson said the encounter against Italy is more than just another soccer game.

"It's like the World Cup, we're here for war," Johnson told reporters. "We're going to do what we gotta do. You've got to do things when the referee's not looking. You've go to do what we have to do to get three points. I don't want to go home early."

US who?

The Italians' preparations for the game will have to start from scratch, with most players confessing complete ignorance about who they will be up again. Of three Italian players asked what they knew about the American team, only midfielder Andrea Pirlo was able to name a single member of the squad.

"There is (Claudio) Reyna, who plays in Europe and then there is the other lad from PSV Eindhoven," said Pirlo, referring to midfielder DaMarcus Beasley.

"I don't know much about the players who don't play in Europe, but we will watch some videos," added Pirlo, who scored the opening goal against Ghana.