Italy's Euro Champions Set to Battle USWNT in Ultimate Test of Championship Mettle
A decade and a half has passed since the U.S. women's national team last met Italy's women's national squad, and the landscape has transformed dramatically in that time. However, on November 28 and December 1, these two nations will clash in a pair of friendly matches in Florida to close out the calendar year.
Following their previous encounter, the American women have captured two World Cup titles and a pair of Olympic gold medals, while Le Azzurre have struggled to achieve similar heights on the global stage. Should the Italians have their way, this narrative is poised for change—and these upcoming friendlies against the Americans are integral to that plan.
"The United States continues to be among the most prestigious teams in global football, and for Italy, the true triumph lies in sharing that platform, battling against elite competition and demonstrating our place in such prestigious settings," explains Alessandro Orlandi, an Italian FIFA representative and creator of Assist Women, the agency that represents Italian players Sofia Cantore and Lisa Boattin, who have recently signed with National Women's Soccer League clubs.
"For Italians, witnessing our athletes compete against the U.S. represents a significant achievement, demonstrating how much our movement has progressed. The outcome will be telling, but the significance transcends the final score. Once you enter such prestigious venues, there's no turning back. Elevate your performance, and the standard elevates alongside you."
Following the recent appointment of coach Andrea Soncin, the Italian squad has begun reaching that elevated standard. Their remarkable journey to the semifinals during last summer's Women's Euro thrust them into the national spotlight. This marked Italy's first semifinal appearance in nearly three decades, representing substantial progress for the distinguished team. Since then, numerous players have secured opportunities to compete internationally, whereas previously, departing Serie A Women was considered exceptional.
OH MY GOODNESS!! 😱
ITALY TAKES THE LEAD OVER ENGLAND in the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 semis! 🇮🇹
Barbara Bonansea with the goal 🤌 pic.twitter.com/o3yOq1idXV
"This development is crucial because football, particularly in women's competition, flourishes through international exchange," explains Orlandi. "When Italian athletes compete internationally, they encounter innovative training approaches, diverse tactical philosophies and elevated competitive standards. They return more skilled, well-rounded and self-assured. Over time, this enhances the entire Italian framework."
During the recent summer, Cantore and Boattin joined NWSL teams Washington Spirit and Houston Dash respectively. These new ventures aim not only to develop their individual skills but also to introduce fresh elements to Italy's approach during this pivotal growth period for the squad. Among the 28 players selected for Italy's current international roster, four compete outside their homeland—a figure that continues expanding.
"They seek to test themselves," Orlandi notes. "Many are motivated by inquisitiveness and the ambition to push their boundaries in the most demanding environments. They desire quicker pace, greater intensity, larger venues and enhanced global recognition. Others are drawn to the culture, league organization and chances to develop beyond familiar territory."
The athletes themselves—including star forward Cristiana Girelli at Juventus, Arianna Caruso at FC Bayern Munich, Elena Linari at London City Lionesses and Aurora Galli at Everton—recognize the significance of their current position. Following their Women's Euro achievements, they understand their potential is limitless, and competing against elite opposition like the USWNT will be essential for the team to capitalize on this opportunity.
"We have been progressing since our new manager [Soncin] joined, he had faith and instilled in us the belief that we can match even the most formidable opponents," Boattin told Equalizer Soccer earlier this year following her move to Houston Dash. "Naturally we were let down by our [semifinal match] performance against England, but I believe it reinforced our understanding that we have developed, put in effort, and established solid foundations.
"We felt disappointed, but we're confident we're heading in the right direction. We must continue our efforts. Most importantly, I hope that in Italy they recognize the necessity for investment—we cannot accomplish everything independently."
As the program continues expanding, discussions surrounding the team have grown correspondingly. In Italy, women's athletics have faced challenges gaining the same recognition as men's sports, despite soccer being virtually a cultural cornerstone for the nation whose men's squad claimed World Cup victory in 2006.
"The discussion has certainly transformed," notes Orlandi. "Several years ago the focus was primarily on possibilities, now it centers on results, funding and strategic development. Media coverage is increasing, organizations are becoming more professional and supporters are showing greater interest. We haven't reached our destination yet, but the atmosphere is more optimistic, more determined and better aligned with what these athletes truly merit. A cultural transformation is occurring and it cannot be reversed."
As the United States prepares to face the Italians, they will encounter relatively unknown adversaries. Nevertheless, the USWNT has shown dominance against Italy, recording 11 victories, one tie and just four defeats against Le Azzurre. There's also historical significance between these teams, with Italy serving as the USWNT's inaugural international opponent in 1985, resulting in a 1–0 Italian victory.
Arrivate a Orlando 🇺🇸😌#Nazionale 🇮🇹 #Azzurre #LeAzzurreSiamoNoi pic.twitter.com/OYCXC4iP51
Italy's tactical approach has undoubtedly developed since that initial 1985 encounter. Traditionally, both their men's and women's teams have been recognized for catenaccio, literally meaning door-bolt, emphasizing defensive solidity. The USWNT is accustomed to facing teams utilizing defensive formations, but Italy offers greater tactical variety.
With the offensive partnership of Girelli and Cantore, both 2025 Ballon d'Or Féminin candidates, plus creative midfielders like Roma's Manuela Giugliano, the USWNT will encounter a squad eager to establish itself internationally and conclude the year positively.
For Orlandi, witnessing his represented players excel for both club and country contributes to developing the broader women's soccer environment in Italy.
"Athletes who experience elite environments internationally return with transformed mindsets," Orlandi explains. "They elevate standards within their clubs, mentor younger players and expand professional expectations. Their achievements create cultural momentum. Italy benefits doubly, as these experiences strengthen both the national squad and domestic competition. It's a progressive cycle that advances everyone."