USWNT vs Italy: Key Players Ready for Crucial Friendlies

USWNT vs Italy headlines the final challenge of the year for Emma Hayes’ squad as they prepare for back-to-back friendlies against Italy, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s journey toward the 2027 World Cup.

USWNT vs Italy: Final 2025 Friendlies Set the Stage

The U.S. women’s national team faces Italy in two friendlies to close out 2025, bringing together established stars and promising newcomers. With a historical record favoring the USWNT (10-4-1), these matches in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale offer head coach Emma Hayes a crucial opportunity to assess her roster and test tactical adjustments.

Several key players, including Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Heaps, and Naomi Girma, are back in camp following their club triumphs. Lavelle and her teammates arrived in Florida directly after Gotham FC’s championship celebrations, bringing fresh energy and high spirits to the squad.

Naomi Girma Returns to Bolster the Defense

One of the most anticipated returns is that of Naomi Girma, who has recovered from injury and is eager to anchor a backline that recently showed vulnerability, especially in the surprising loss to Portugal. The USWNT typically prides itself on defensive stability, and Girma’s leadership and presence are expected to restore confidence. Hayes has experimented with various center-back pairings in Girma’s absence, but her return ensures a more settled defensive core as the team gears up for Italy.

Midfield Depth Shines Ahead of USWNT vs Italy

The midfield is arguably the USWNT’s biggest strength. Hayes must choose from a deep pool of talent—veterans like Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps, versatile Sam Coffey, and rising stars such as Lily Yohannes and Claire Hutton. Recent call-ups Jaelin Howell and Croiz Bethune add even more options. Lavelle, fresh off a championship-winning performance, exudes enthusiasm for the national team environment, while Howell’s return after a stellar NWSL season underlines Hayes’ commitment to rewarding club form.

Expect to see various midfield combinations across the two matches as Hayes experiments with lineups and chemistry, using these fixtures to gain clarity on her preferred trio.

Chelsea FC Trio Strengthens USWNT Attack

The partnership of Girma, Catarina Macario, and Alyssa Thompson—each with ties to Chelsea FC—brings a new dynamic to the USWNT’s attack. Girma’s defensive organization, Macario’s composure in the No.9 role, and Thompson’s fearless wing play could be key against Italy’s resilient defense. With more U.S. players competing overseas, including Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes) and Emily Fox (Arsenal), Hayes benefits from a squad gaining valuable international experience.

Goalkeeper Battle Continues

Since the retirement of longtime starter Alyssa Naeher, the race for the USWNT’s No.1 goalkeeper jersey has been fierce. Hayes continues to evaluate her options, including Mandy McGlynn, Claudia Dickey, and newcomer Jordan Silkowitz. Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Jane Campbell remain in the mix, and all are vying to prove themselves as reliable choices ahead of major tournaments.

With two friendlies on the horizon, the competition for the starting spot is as intense as ever. Hayes has indicated she’ll likely stick with the trio that faced Portugal but sees Silkowitz as a valuable addition for future depth.

World Cup Preparation: USWNT vs Italy as a Benchmark

These friendlies against Italy are more than just a close to 2025—they serve as a benchmark for World Cup planning. Hayes has worked to instill the “WNT way,” focusing on leadership, resilience, and a winning mentality. The matches will help identify the team’s core group as preparations for 2026 and 2027 ramp up.

While Hayes has time before finalizing her World Cup roster, these games offer insights into player readiness, squad balance, and tactical flexibility. It’s a critical window to establish consistency and cohesion, both of which have been challenged by roster rotations.

USWNT vs Italy: What to Watch For

Keep an eye on Girma’s impact on defense, Lavelle’s creativity in midfield, and the chemistry among the Chelsea FC trio. The goalkeeper battle will also provide drama as each player tries to stake a claim for the starting role.

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Opinion: A Defining Test for Hayes and Her Evolving Squad

The USWNT vs Italy friendlies are an ideal test to measure progress under Emma Hayes. With seasoned leaders returning, young talents breaking through, and competition heating up in every line of the squad, these matches will showcase both the current strength and future potential of the USWNT. If Hayes can blend experience with fresh energy, the U.S. will enter 2026 and beyond as a formidable force in women’s football.