Clint Dempsey (2nd L) of the US celebrates with teammates after scoring against Italy in their international friendly soccer match at the Luigi Ferraris stadium in Genoa, Feb 29, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

American players applauded each other and their fans. Their supporters cheered loudly and proudly waved the red, white and blue.

Gaining a rare victory over a soccer power, the United States beat Italy 1-0 on Wednesday night on Clint Dempsey's goal in the 55th minute for the Americans' first win over the Azzurri in 11 games over 78 years.

"It's a work in progress," Dempsey said. "I like to think that we are closing the gap and hopefully one day we can do something special."

Jurgen Klinsmann, the coach of the US soccer team, smiles before their international friendly soccer match against Italy at the Luigi Ferraris stadium in Genoa, Feb 29, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

A Texan who has become an increasingly important element of the American team, Dempsey put a right-footed shot from just inside the penalty area past an outstretched hand of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Fabian Johnson had crossed to Jozy Altidore, who with his back to the goal against Italy's Andrea Barzagli touched the ball back toward the top of the area.

"I think we look like a top team in the sense where we have one chance and we're going to make it count," Altidore said. "I think it's a big step in the right direction."

After returning to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years in 1990 and advancing to the quarterfinals in 2002, the Americans have struggled to make additional progress. They were knocked out in the first round of the 2006 World Cup and the second round of the 2010 tournament, eliminated both times with defeats to Ghana. They wasted a two-goal lead against Mexico last June and lost 4-2 in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

That prompted the US Soccer Federation to fire coach Bob Bradley in July and replace him with Jurgen Klinsmann, the former German national team star player and coach who has lived in California for more than a decade.

Associated Press

A US fan shouts before their international friendly soccer match against Italy at the Luigi Ferraris stadium in Genoa, Feb 29, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]