USWNT’s Grand Finale: Hayes’ Era Culminates Against Italy in Crucial Showdown

As the curtain prepares to fall on the U.S. Women’s National Team’s 2025 calendar, all eyes turn to a pivotal two-game series against a formidable Italian side. This final international window isn’t just about closing out the year; it’s a critical assessment of Head Coach Emma Hayes’ strategic vision, her extensive player rotation, and the burgeoning talent pool she’s diligently cultivated throughout the season. The upcoming USWNT matches against Italy serve as the ultimate litmus test for a squad gearing up for future challenges, including the crucial World Cup qualifiers in November 2026.

A Year of Intentional Evolution Under Emma Hayes

The 2025 season for the U.S. Women’s National Team has been defined by deliberate experimentation. Emma Hayes, known for her tactical prowess and player development, has committed to expanding the national team’s reach, bringing in fresh faces and solidifying core principles with less experienced players. This focused approach has yielded a commendable 10-3-0 record heading into these final fixtures. While the team faced challenging losses against Brazil, Portugal, and Japan earlier in the year, the objective now is clear: prevent any additional defeats and uphold a historical benchmark, as the USWNT hasn’t recorded more than three losses in a single year since 2001.

The October friendlies, following a 113-day hiatus, highlighted initial rust but also demonstrated the team’s rapid adaptability. Hayes and her coaching staff effectively identified and addressed limitations, ensuring that by the end of the window, the squad was back to making difficult, yet necessary, decisions for future lineups. This continuous evaluation underscores Hayes’ commitment to building a resilient and versatile team.

The Italy Challenge: A Formidable European Test

It’s been nearly 15 years since the USWNT last locked horns with Italy, making this upcoming series a highly anticipated reunion. While the Stars and Stripes boast a superior historical record against the Italians (11-1-4), this is not the same European side from a decade and a half ago. Italy, currently ranked 12th by FIFA, is riding high on the momentum of an inspirational run to the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro semifinals. Their ascent signifies a program on the rise, and they will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge, particularly with Head Coach Andrea Soncin keen to test his defense against the dynamic attacking prowess of the USWNT.

How to Watch the USWNT vs. Italy Match:

• Date: Friday, November 28
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Inter & Co Stadium – Orlando, Fla.
• TV: TNT

Roster Spotlight: Veterans and Rising Stars Converge

Emma Hayes has unveiled a 26-player roster for these critical matches, striking an excellent balance between seasoned veterans and promising young talents on the cusp of their international breakthroughs. This blend is crucial for integrating experience with the fresh energy needed for upcoming competitive cycles.

Veteran Presence and NWSL Champions

The return of key veterans injects invaluable experience into the squad:

• Naomi Girma: The Chelsea FC defender makes a welcome comeback after a prolonged absence due to a calf injury, bolstering the backline.
• Rose Lavelle: Fresh off winning the 2025 NWSL Championship, Lavelle’s midfield wizardry and leadership will be vital. She is one of seven NWSL Championship participants on the roster, including Gotham FC teammates Lilly Reale, Emily Sonnett, Jaedyn Shaw, and Jaelin Howell, alongside Washington Spirit’s Kate Wiesner and Croix Bethune.

Exciting New Faces and Stellar NWSL Performances

Hayes continues her trend of introducing new blood, ensuring the talent pipeline remains robust:

• Jaelin Howell: Marking her USWNT return for the first time since October 2022, Howell’s inclusion is a testament to her phenomenal NWSL season with Gotham FC. She led her club in recoveries (172), tackles (84), and interceptions (51), showcasing a defensive midfield prowess that earned her early comparisons to Julie Ertz. Howell attributes much of her success and return to the national team to her NWSL teammates, particularly Lavelle and Sonnett, highlighting their mentorship:
  

  “Having her in the middle and then having Sonnett behind me, instructing me, they’ve just been two totally huge game changers for me as a player this year.”

• Jordan Silkowitz: The Bay FC goalkeeper receives a call-up following an injury to Manchester United’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
• Jameese Joseph: Chicago Stars FC forward earns her first senior team call-up, a deserved recognition after consistently featuring on U-23 rosters throughout the year.

Paving the Road to 2026 and Beyond

These final international matches against a top-tier European opponent like Italy are more than just friendlies; they are crucial building blocks. They offer the USWNT a perfect measuring stick for the growth achieved under Emma Hayes’ guidance and provide invaluable insights as the staff begins to finalize rosters for the upcoming World Cup qualifying cycle in November 2026. Every pass, tackle, and goal will contribute to the collective understanding of where the team stands and what adjustments are needed to ensure sustained success on the global stage. The future of the U.S. Women’s National Team is bright, and these matches will undoubtedly illuminate its path forward.