BERLIN — The United States scraped past Italy 55-52 on Sunday in a defensive, low-scoring game at the FIBA Women’s World Cup, advancing to 2-0 in Group D but raising questions about its offensive form.
Struggled offense, timely defense
Jackie Young paced the Americans with 10 points, the only player in double figures for the four-time defending champions. The U.S. shot a cold 29 percent from the field and made just 1 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc as Italy’s 2-3 zone repeatedly disrupted Team USA’s usual ball movement and driving lanes.
The victory was markedly narrow for a U.S. squad accustomed to largescale margins in international play. Italy trimmed the deficit late and had a final opportunity to force overtime, but Cecilia Zandalasini missed a game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer. Chelsea Gray made a crucial defensive play in the final minutes that helped preserve the lead for the Americans.
"Italy mucked up USA," said Breanna Stewart, capturing the frustration of a team that rarely faces such sustained defensive pressure at the World Cup.
The 55-point output marked one of the lowest offensive totals for the U.S. at the World Cup in decades, and the three-point drought underlined a recurring concern: when perimeter shots aren’t falling, the Americans have to find other reliable ways to generate offense against compact zone defenses.
Implications for the tournament
Team USA’s defense kept the game within reach, but the performance exposed tactical vulnerabilities that opponents could attempt to exploit in knockout rounds. Italy’s defensive game plan — clogging passing lanes and forcing contested perimeter attempts — proved effective most of the afternoon.
With the win the Americans remain unbeaten in group play, but coaches and fans alike will be watching whether the team can regain offensive rhythm before the quarterfinals. Italy, meanwhile, showed it can pressure even elite opponents and will leave Berlin encouraged about its ability to compete on the global stage.
- Final score: United States 55, Italy 52
- Top U.S. scorer: Jackie Young, 10 points
- U.S. shooting: 29% from the field, 1-for-12 on 3-pointers
| Category | United States |
|---|---|
| Points | 55 |
| Field goal percentage | 29% |
| 3-point field goals | 1 of 12 |
Beyond the box score, the contest was a reminder that international basketball often rewards discipline and schematic preparation. Italy’s 2-3 zone was designed to take away driving angles and force the U.S. into contested jump shots; for long stretches it worked. When perimeter shots clanked off the rim, the Americans struggled to generate second-chance points or consistent interior scoring.
Defense and late-game execution carried Team USA to victory. Chelsea Gray’s stop in the closing moments and the team’s ability to protect a slim lead were decisive factors. Still, the narrow margin will likely prompt adjustments as the tournament progresses.
Looking ahead, the United States will need to find more offensive balance — whether through better ball movement against zones, more aggressive post play, or improved perimeter accuracy — if it hopes to navigate deeper rounds against teams that will not yield easy looks.
For Italy, the performance will serve as a touchstone: a demonstration that well-executed defense and poise in late-game moments can put even the most accomplished teams under pressure. The missed final shot by Zandalasini was the last of several close calls for a side that nonetheless showed it can challenge the sport’s elite.
The U.S. advances from Group D still unbeaten, but the afternoon’s problems offer a clear reminder that no opponent can be taken lightly on the world stage.
