Three red cards as Italy and U.S. draw 1-1

KAISERSLAUTERN, June 17 (Reuters) Italy and the United States drew 1-1 in an explosive World Cup match today in which a record-equalling three players were sent off, two of them Americans.

Italy took a 22nd minute lead through Alberto Gilardino but the advantage lasted just five minutes before Italian defender Cristian Zaccardo scored an own goal.

A minute later his fellow-defender Daniele De Rossi was sent off for elbowing American striker Brian McBride in the face.

But US midfielder Pablo Mastroeni was shown a red card for a sliding tackle just before halftime and forward Eddie Pope followed him back to the dressing room two minutes after the interval with a second yellow card.

It was only the fourth time in World Cup finals history that three players had been sent off in the same game.

Italy lead Group E with four points, one ahead of Czech Republic and Ghana. The U.S. have only one point before the final group games.

Reuters PDS RAI0220