De Rossi pleads for forgiveness

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi hopes to escape heavy punishment after being sent off for elbowing an opponent in Saturday's 1-1 draw against the United States.

De Rossi was shown a straight red card for elbowing USA striker Brian McBride after just 28 minutes of the Group E clash.

The Roma midfielder could face a three-match ban, with Fifa having announced prior to the tournament they will come down hard on violent challenges.

"I ask for forgiveness," said De Rossi, who made a positive impact in his team's opening 2-0 triumph against Ghana. "I didn't want to hurt the player (McBride) and I spoke to him immediately after. I certainly didn't do it on purpose, that is the way I always jump to head the ball.

"I hope the ban will not be too harsh but I don't know."

De Rossi's dismissal proved a hammer blow for the Azzurri, who failed to recover despite facing nine-man USA in the second half. The Americans had Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope sent off either side of half-time.

"I am saddened for myself, for my team and for the fans," said De Rossi.

While coach Marcello Lippi announced after the game that he will have strong words with the player, his team-mates have stood by De Rossi. Francesco Totti, who plays with De Rossi at Roma, said: "We are close to him right now.

"He has already said he has made a mistake and we shouldn't make any more dramas out of this draw. We must remain calm because we are still first in our group and we must now concentrate on our next game, which will be crucial."

Italy now face the Czech Republic with all to play for. The Czechs, who were stunned 2-0 by Ghana, must win against the Italians to advance through to the next stage while a point would be sufficient for Lippi's side.

Alberto Gilardino, who scored his first goal of the tournament on Saturday, is confident Italy will return to winning ways against the Czechs.

"We want to play a great game against the Czechs in order to advance," said the AC Milan forward. "We know we have the quality, we just need to show it. I am happy to have been able to score but I wish my goal would have given us three points instead of one."