USWNT Final Test: Rose Lavelle Leads Charge Against Italy

USWNT gears up for a crucial end-of-year challenge as they face Italy in a two-match friendly series, marking Emma Hayes’ last major assessment ahead of 2025. With Rose Lavelle in top form, Naomi Girma returning from injury, and new talents joining the roster, the U.S. women’s national team aims to finish the year on a high and sharpen preparations for future tournaments.

USWNT vs Italy: The Final Exam of 2025

USWNT takes center stage against Italy, ranked 12th in the world, in back-to-back friendlies in Florida. Historically, the Americans hold a strong 10-4-1 record over the Azzurre, but these matches mean more than stats—they represent a decisive step for Emma Hayes as she shapes her vision for the team ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

The squad’s mood is buoyant as several players, including Rose Lavelle, Lilly Reale, Emily Sonnett, Jaelin Howell, and Jaedyn Shaw, rejoined camp straight from Gotham FC’s NWSL Championship celebrations. Head coach Emma Hayes emphasized the importance of adaptability, stating, “We have to play our game, regardless of the tactics or intensity Italy brings. Our focus must remain on our style and execution.”

Rose Lavelle’s Impact and Midfield Dilemma

Lavelle’s recent heroics with Gotham FC set the tone for the USWNT midfield. Returning energetic and confident, she joins a deep and versatile center field that includes Lindsey Heaps, Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, Sam Coffey, Jaelin Howell, and Croiz Bethune.

Deciding the starting trio is no easy task for Hayes. The midfield’s strength lies in its blend of creativity and defensive stability—qualities that will be critical against Italy’s tactical discipline. Expect Hayes to experiment with rotations across both matches, maximizing the opportunity to test combinations ahead of competitive fixtures.

Naomi Girma Returns to Bolster the Defense

One of the most anticipated returns is center-back Naomi Girma, whose absence had left the USWNT defense reliant on a patchwork of pairings. Her return injects leadership and composure into a backline looking to bounce back from recent lapses, including a rare defeat by Portugal. Girma’s enthusiasm is palpable, both on and off the pitch, as she looks to restore the defensive solidity that has long defined the USWNT.

Chelsea FC Influence Growing

A notable trend in the USWNT roster is the influence of players from English club Chelsea FC. Girma, alongside Catarina Macario and Alyssa Thompson, form a new “Triple Espresso” driving force within the team. Their familiarity and chemistry could offer Hayes new attacking and defensive dimensions against Italy.

Additionally, Lindsey Heaps and Lily Yohannes (OL Lyon), and Emily Fox (Arsenal) underline the squad’s growing European pedigree. This exposure to top-league competition abroad only strengthens the U.S. core, giving Hayes expanded tactical options.

USWNT Goalkeeper Battle Intensifies

The search for a new No. 1 goalkeeper continues after Alyssa Naeher’s retirement. Emma Hayes has tested multiple options, but for these friendlies, Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey return, joined by promising newcomer Jordan Silkowitz. While Dickey and McGlynn are expected to feature, Silkowitz’s rapid rise in the NWSL has made her one to watch. The ongoing competition ensures the USWNT’s last line of defense remains fiercely contested.

World Cup 2027: Building the Future

While these friendlies are not definitive for World Cup selection, they offer Emma Hayes a vital snapshot of her squad’s capabilities. The matches will help solidify the core group, foster cohesion, and allow promising newcomers to stake their claim. Hayes’ commitment to the “WNT way”—a blueprint for success rooted in leadership and style—remains central as she looks to set new standards for women’s football on the global stage.

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Opinion: USWNT Poised for a Defining Step

The USWNT’s clash with Italy is about more than ending the year with a win—it is about clarity, team unity, and building momentum for 2026 and beyond. With Lavelle’s spark, Girma’s steadfast defense, and fresh faces eager to impress, Emma Hayes has both enviable depth and a unique challenge. If Hayes can blend experience with emerging talent, the U.S. will remain a dominant force and set the tone early for a successful World Cup cycle.