USWNT to Face Italy in Friendly Matches
U.S. Soccer has officially announced that the United States women’s national team (USWNT) will face Italy in two friendly matches in Florida, wrapping up their schedule for 2025. The first match is set for November 28, which will occur at Inter & Co. Stadium in Orlando, on the day following Thanksgiving. A rematch will take place on December 1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Coach’s Insights
U.S. head coach Emma Hayes expressed enthusiasm about these encounters, emphasizing the importance of playing against diverse international teams as they gear up for World Cup qualifying later in 2026.
“Italy is one of the emerging teams in Europe, and competing against them will provide a great opportunity to finish the year on a high note,”
Hayes commented.
Previous Encounters and Historical Context
The fixtures will be the USWNT’s first friendlies in Florida since their 3-0 victory against China in 2023, courtesy of goals from players Sophia Wilson, Lindsey Heaps, and Trinity Rodman. Earlier this year, the team conducted a training camp in Fort Lauderdale but did not engage in a match.
Ranked No. 12 in the world, Italy has made notable strides, recently reaching the UEFA Women’s Euros semifinals, where they faced England and narrowly lost 2-1 in extra time, with Chloe Kelly scoring an unforgettable late goal. This advancement marks a significant milestone for Italy, being their first trip to the Euros semifinals since 1997.
Historically, the USWNT and Italy share a long-standing rivalry; their last meeting dates back to 2010, when the Americans defeated Italy in a two-leg World Cup playoff series, securing their place in the 2011 World Cup. This matchup also holds sentimental value, as Italy was the very first opponent of the U.S. women’s national team during their inaugural game 40 years ago in 1985, which the Americans won 1-0.
