USWNT Welcomes Back Naomi Girma for Upcoming Matches Against Italy

Defender Naomi Girma will make her return to the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) for the first time in nearly five months, joining the squad for two upcoming friendly matches against Italy.

USWNT coach Emma Hayes announced a 26-player roster on Wednesday, which includes two players receiving their first call-ups and several familiar faces. Notably absent is forward Trinity Rodman, who recently returned briefly to the field for the Washington Spirit following an MCL sprain in her right knee last October.

Hayes commented on Rodman’s situation, stating, “Trinity and I have been in regular communication regarding her progress. While she was fortunate to get a few minutes in her recent game, she is still in the process of recovery. We collectively decided that, given the importance of the upcoming camp and the need for substantial game minutes, it would be best for her to sit this one out.”

“Trinity is eager to play for the national team, and we hope to see her back in action in the New Year. However, it’s simply too soon for her to participate in these matches against Italy.”

Also missing from the roster is goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who is considered a likely new starting option. She recently suffered a fractured eye socket while playing for Manchester United. Tullis-Joyce has made four appearances for the USWNT since her debut in a 2-0 victory against Brazil on April 5.

The USWNT will face Italy on November 28 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, with a rematch scheduled for December 1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Girma has faced multiple calf injuries since her transfer to Chelsea in January as women’s soccer’s first $1 million player. She missed all spring international games but returned to the team in June, only to sustain another calf injury in late summer. Girma has recently returned to play for Chelsea.

As a pivotal defender in the USWNT’s gold medal journey at the 2024 Olympics, Girma has garnered praise from Hayes, who referred to her as “the best defender I’ve ever seen.”

“I am thrilled to have her back. Her on-field talents are significant, but her quiet leadership is invaluable, both on and off the pitch. She made sure to reach out to me multiple times to confirm her fitness for the camp. Naomi’s enthusiasm to rejoin the team is palpable, and we are eager to have her back with us,” Hayes remarked.

Midfielder Croix Bethune, who has regained her health and is starting for the Spirit as they compete in the playoffs, also returns to the USWNT for the first time since July. Additionally, goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz and forward Jameese Joseph will make their first appearances with the senior USWNT during this training camp and the matches against Italy.

Hayes has experimented with various players throughout the year as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup, capping 25 players in 28 games as head coach. While this approach has provided valuable insights, it has also resulted in some unexpected losses, including defeats to Japan, Brazil, and most recently Portugal. Historically, the USWNT has never lost four games in a single calendar year.

“This has been an exciting and crucial year for our team. We have achieved several objectives, expanded our player pool, and made significant progress in our game model. This camp will extend those efforts while laying the groundwork for 2026, which is our World Cup qualifying year. Competing against top European teams like Italy offers us an authentic measure of our development as a squad, and I am confident our players will rise to the challenge,” Hayes stated.

Midfielder Jaelin Howell, the second overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, returns to the USWNT after a successful season with Gotham FC, who will vie for the 2025 NWSL championship against the Spirit. Howell last played for the USWNT on April 9, 2022, when she scored her first goal against Uzbekistan.

Defender Kate Wiesner, who had an impressive performance as a fullback for the Spirit in their recent NWSL semifinal victory over the Portland Thorns, is also back in the USWNT environment, although she has yet to make her senior debut.

The matches against Italy will be the last for the USWNT this calendar year before they regroup for their annual January camp.

Hayes emphasized the importance of not underestimating Italy, stating, “Italy ranks among the top teams in Europe, comparable to England and Spain. This series will present a robust challenge for us, especially from a tactical standpoint.”

ESPN previously reported that the USWNT had planned to play another top European team in Seattle, but changes in the UEFA Nations League standings prompted U.S. Soccer to arrange the matches against Italy in Florida.

**USWNT Roster by Position (Club; Caps/Goals):**
**GOALKEEPERS (3):** Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 4), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 4), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; 0)

**DEFENDERS (10):** Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; 4/0), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 69/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG: 48/2), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 8/1), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 4/0), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current; 1/1), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 6/0), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 112/2), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave; 1/0), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit; 0/0)

**MIDFIELDERS (7):** Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit; 4/0), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 41/5), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 167/38), Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC; 5/1), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 9/1), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 115/26), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 11/1)

**FORWARDS (6):** Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars; 0/0), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 27/13), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 10/4), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville; 11/4), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 29/8), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 24/3)