""As we prepare for World Cup qualifying at the end of 2026, we want to play teams from all parts of the world with different styles and different strengths, so getting to play Italy, one of Europe's up-and-coming teams, will be a great way to end the year," said U.S. coach Emma Hayes. "This has been a very productive year for our team, learning about each other while embracing our philosophies and standards, so we're looking forward to two more games against a quality team to continue to grow.""
"The games will mark the first friendlies in Florida for the USWNT since 2023, when it defeated China 3-0 at Chase Stadium with goals from Sophia Wilson, Lindsey Heaps and Trinity Rodman. The team previously held a training camp in Fort Lauderdale in January 2025, but didn't host a match."
"Italy will enter the game No. 12 in the world after reaching the UEFA Women's Euros semifinal, falling 2-1 to eventual winners England on an extra-time goal by Chloe Kelly in the 119th minute. The 2025 Women's Euros marked the first time that Italy reached the semifinal of the tournament since 1997."
"The USWNT last played Italy November 2010, when the Americans won a two-leg World Cup playoff series 2-0 on aggregate to become the last team to qualify for the 2011 World Cup. Italy was the USWNT's first opponent when the United States program began 40 years ago. The USWNT won that game 1-0 in 1985."
The United States women will host Italy in two friendly matches in Florida to close the 2025 schedule. Inter & Co. Stadium in Orlando will host the first match on Nov. 28, followed by a rematch on Dec. 1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Coach Emma Hayes said playing Italy offers exposure to different styles ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifying and praised the team's productive year embracing philosophies and standards. The friendlies are the first in Florida since 2023. Italy enters ranked No. 12 after reaching the UEFA Women's Euros semifinal. The teams previously met in a 2010 World Cup playoff and first faced each other in 1985.
Read at ESPN.com
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