Full Breakdown
USWNT Prepares for Italy Friendlies Following Portugal Loss
11/27/2025, 2:59:03 PM
Upcoming Matches Against Italy
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) is set to face Italy in two friendly matches, the first on November 28 in Orlando, Florida, and the second on December 1 in Fort Lauderdale. This series comes after the USWNT's recent performance, which included a disappointing 2-1 loss to Portugal in October, followed by a 3-1 victory against the same team just days later. Midfielder Rose Lavelle emphasized the need for the team to play collectively to avoid a repeat of the earlier defeat, stating, "We left disappointed... knowing that we have another opportunity to learn and grow."
Team Dynamics and Preparation
Head coach Emma Hayes highlighted the importance of entering the matches against Italy with a prepared mindset. She noted that the players are aware of Italy's quality, as many compete in top leagues, including the Champions League. Hayes remarked, "This is a team I think is in the top echelon in world football," stressing that the USWNT cannot afford to start the game poorly as they did against Portugal.
The USWNT roster for these friendlies includes 26 players, with significant contributions from the recently crowned NWSL champions, Gotham FC. All players from Gotham FC will be available for selection, following their championship victory over the Washington Spirit. Hayes acknowledged the challenge of selecting the final 23-player gameday roster, stating, "Every single player wants to represent our country. So, I'm going to have a difficult decision to make."
Key Players and Roster Updates
Among the notable players called up for the USWNT are Lavelle, Jaedyn Shaw, and Jaelin Howell, who is returning to the senior team after a three-year hiatus. Howell expressed her excitement about the opportunity, attributing her success to the support from her teammates and Gotham FC.
In addition to the USWNT, several other national teams are preparing for their respective matches during this international window. The Welsh national team, for example, will face Korea Republic and Switzerland, while the Canadian team will compete against Japan.
Official Statements & Responses
Emma Hayes reiterated the importance of delivering a strong performance against Italy, stating, "I want to ensure that we deliver on the performance that is needed against the top level side." This sentiment reflects the team's commitment to improving upon their previous results and showcasing their capabilities on the international stage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In that first game against Portugal, it was just kind of getting back on the same page and playing as a team,” — Rose Lavelle, Midfielder, USWNT
- “Obviously, it's a huge blessing,” — Jaelin Howell, Midfielder, USWNT
What's Next
As the USWNT prepares for these crucial friendlies, the outcomes will be pivotal for assessing team dynamics and readiness ahead of future competitions, including the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The matches against Italy will serve as a critical test for the squad's cohesion and performance under pressure.
