The United States women’s basketball team earned a hard‑fought 55‑52 victory over Italy on Sunday, securing one of the two direct berths into the World Cup quarterfinals. The win, which came in the second game of Group Play, puts the U.S. alongside France as the only teams guaranteed a spot before the single‑elimination round begins on Thursday, September 10.
Offensive struggles raise questions
While the result was positive, the performance was far from the dominant display fans have come to expect. The U.S. shot just 29% from the field and turned the ball over 14 times while recording only 11 assists. Italy, a squad with a single WNBA player, limited the Americans to a modest offensive output and forced them to miss their first ten three‑point attempts.
Jackie Young was the lone American to break double figures, scoring 10 points on 4‑of‑6 shooting and adding three assists. She also was the only player to make more than two field goals. Beyond Young, the roster struggled to find rhythm. Caitlin Clark, who led the team with a 94‑61 rout of China on Friday, went 0‑for‑6 in 18 minutes, finishing with just one point. Breanna Stewart managed five points on 1‑of‑9 shooting, and Kahleah Copper contributed six points on 0‑of‑4 attempts. The team’s four veteran returners from the 2024 Paris Olympics—Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Breanna Stewart, and Kahleah Copper—combined for a dismal 5‑of‑23 shooting performance.
Key moments and clutch play
Despite the offensive woes, the United States held on in the final minutes. With the game tied at 52‑52 and just over four minutes left, Collier split a pair of free throws after a feed from Young, giving the U.S. a narrow lead. The lineup of Aliyah Boston, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Breanna Stewart, and Kahleah Copper closed out the game, with Gray drawing a crucial charge with three minutes remaining and each of the three veterans hitting a key bucket in the closing stretch.
Italy’s Golden State Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini led the host nation with 14 points, but missed a potential game‑tying three‑pointer in the final seconds. Bench player Mariella Santucci added nine points for the Italians, who are competing in their first international tournament since 1996.
Injuries and roster depth tested
The U.S. entered the tournament without two of its biggest stars. A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum were ruled out with injuries just days before the competition and were replaced by second‑year WNBA players Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron. Iriafen did not see playing time on Sunday, while Citron logged only five minutes.
Given the depth of talent on the roster, the team was expected to absorb the loss of its marquee players. However, the lackluster offensive output against Italy has sparked a debate about the squad’s ability to dominate international play without Wilson, especially as they prepare to face formidable opponents such as France, Australia, and Spain in the knockout stage.
Looking ahead
The United States will aim to tighten its offense and reduce turnovers before the single‑elimination round begins. A stronger showing will be essential to avoid becoming the first U.S. women’s national team to lose a World Cup game since 2006. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team seeks to reassert its traditional dominance on the global stage.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
