The United States will host Italy on November 28 in Orlando, Florida and will face the teams again on December 1 in Fort Lauderdale.
“In that first game against Portugal, it was kind of like getting back on the same page and playing as a team,” Lavelle said. “I think obviously it wasn’t for lack of effort. We were obviously working really hard during the game, but I think it was just about doing it collectively. I think for the rest of camp, it was just kind of returning to our roots, returning to our principles.
“I think in this first game against Italy, I think we knew that Portugal’s game was not the standard or expectation that we had for ourselves. So we left disappointed, just as we left knowing that we have another chance to learn and grow and play the same opponent two days later.
“So I think when we come here, it’s just about learning quickly, getting on the same page quickly and making sure we never have a game like that again.”
The USWNT lost 2–1 to Portugal in the first friendly of the October window but won 3–1 against the same opponent three days later. Despite ending the last window on a positive note, head coach Emma Hayes stressed the need for the players to enter this game with a prepared mindset to avoid a repeat of the first game against Portugal.
Hayes said, “Our players watch major tournaments. They know who Italy is. We have players who also play in the Champions League who play against Juventus and Roma. So they are fully aware of the quality of their players.” “I think this is a team that has been performing at this level for a while. They are very adept at the way they work.
“I don’t think it will be a surprise for us, but I will keep the players in mind, I think this is a team that is at the top level in world football, so we cannot start our game like we did in the opening games of the last camp, playing the way we did for more than 90 minutes. I want to make sure that we deliver the required performance against a top-level team.”
Hayes also confirmed that all Gotham FC players will be available for selection on Friday, following their NWSL Championship 1–0 win over the Washington Spirit on November 22.
“It was an exciting game, an exciting end to the game, a lot of adrenaline involved,” Hayes said. “I have to manage the right workload but they are available for Friday and I would have no hesitation in picking them. Last Saturday and a game on Friday is entirely possible for these players.
“And let me tell you, every single player wants to represent our country. So, I have to make a difficult decision.”
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