Lavelle Highlights the Importance of Team Play for the United States against Italy
Midfielder Rose Lavelle emphasizes the need for the United States national team to play as a unified team in the upcoming friendlies against Italy. Lavelle cites the 2-1 defeat to Portugal in October as a key lesson for the team. The United States will face Italy on November 28 in Orlando, Florida, and again on December 1 in Fort Lauderdale.Lavelle adds that the team seeks to learn from that experience and avoid repeating a similar performance. The player highlights the importance of rapid adaptation and synchronization on the field. Despite the 3-1 victory against Portugal in the second friendly of October, coach Emma Hayes underlines the need for the players to be mentally prepared for the match against Italy.In the first match against Portugal, it was about getting back on the same page and playing as a team. Obviously, it wasn’t for lack of effort. We worked very hard during the match, but I think it was about doing it collectively.
Rose Lavelle
Hayes also confirmed that all Gotham FC players will be available for selection on Friday, after winning the NWSL championship 1-0 against the Washington Spirit on November 22. The coach assures that she will not hesitate to select them.Our players watch the big tournaments. They know who Italy is. We have players who also play in the Champions League against Juventus and Roma. They are fully aware of the quality of their players. It’s a team that has been building this level of performance for a while.
Emma Hayes
It was an exciting match, an exciting finish, a lot of adrenaline involved. I’ve had to manage the appropriate workloads, but they are available for Friday and I won’t hesitate to select them. With a match last Saturday and Friday is completely feasible for these players. They all want to represent their country.
Emma Hayes
