And locked things down. With the rapid and heavy testing they were able to isolate much quicker and do a better job of preventing spread.
Maybe what we're doing is more correct, but I think we initially took a much more "let it ride" approach and we've only been testing those at risk and showing heavy signs. So you only know how to helps those in critical, but you don't find and stop the spread as quickly.
I'm not going to claim to be knowledgeable or an expert, that's just my opinion.
I think we have advantages and differences against Italy as many have brought up; age of population, smokers, Italy's culture may encourage more interaction with elderly (I don't really know). So I'm not saying I think we're going to be in as bad of a situation as them. But I think they're a better curve comparison from how we've chosen to attack the issue.