Rose Lavelle Calls for Team Cohesion Ahead of Italy Friendlies

Midfielder Rose Lavelle asserts that the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) must approach their upcoming friendlies against Italy with a strong sense of teamwork, highlighting the 2-1 loss to Portugal in October as a crucial lesson.

The USWNT will host Italy in Orlando, Florida, on November 28, followed by a rematch in Fort Lauderdale on December 1.

“In that initial game against Portugal, we needed to focus on getting back on the same page and performing as a cohesive unit,” Lavelle stated. “It wasn’t a matter of effort; we worked hard during the match, but we need to emphasize collective play. As the camp progressed, it became clear we needed to return to our foundational principles and roots.

“As we prepare for the first match against Italy, we understand that the Portugal game did not reflect our standards or expectations. While we left that match disappointed, we recognized it as an opportunity to learn and grow, especially since we face the same opponent two days later. Our goal is to quickly align and ensure we do not experience a setback like that again.”

The USWNT’s previous encounter with Portugal ended in a 2-1 defeat, but they rebounded with a 3-1 victory against the same team just three days later. Despite concluding the last window on a positive note, head coach Emma Hayes stressed the importance of a prepared mindset to avoid repeating the initial game’s performance.

“Our players follow major tournaments and are well aware of Italy’s capabilities. Many of them compete in the Champions League against teams like Juventus and Roma, so they are conscious of the quality Italy possesses,” Hayes remarked. “This is a team that has been steadily improving, and we must be ready.

“We cannot afford to start the match like we did in our previous camp. It’s imperative that we deliver the performance required against such a high-caliber team.”

Hayes also confirmed that all players from Gotham FC will be eligible for selection after clinching the NWSL championship with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit on November 22.

“It was an exhilarating game, and the finish was filled with adrenaline. I’ve had to manage their workloads carefully, but they are available for Friday’s match, and I won’t hesitate to select them. With a game last Saturday, playing again on Friday is entirely feasible for these players.

“Every single player is eager to represent our country, which will make my selection process a challenging one.”