As the only U.S. international currently playing in Serie A, midfielder Michael Bradley is well-qualified to evaluate the team he and his fellow Americans will face Wednesday in Genoa. “It will be a very difficult game for us,” said Bradley, who plays in Italy with Chievo Verona. “Italy has a squad that’s full of champions and for us it will be a good test.”

The Americans also meet Scotland and Brazil in the spring as they sharpen preparations for the start of Concacaf World Cup qualifying in early June against Antigua & Barbuda. Bradley believes the USA has a team spirit that helps it combat opponents with greater talent and reputations.

“We are a real team. Every player plays for his teammate and we have a strong mentality,” Bradley said. “That helps us forward in difficult times."

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has summoned what he regards as his strongest available team after using mostly 'B' players for games against Venezuela and Panama last month. Landon Donovan withdrew with the flu and Jermaine Jones is out with a strained right calf. They have been replaced by Sasha Kljestan and Brek Shea.

The Americans have won their last three games under Klinsmann to improve their record with former the German star in charge to 4-4-1.