Team USA secures narrow three-point victory against Italy at World Cup
7 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 12:27 PM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Team USA defeated Italy 55-52 in a group play match at the FIBA World Cup in Berlin, Germany. The victory followed a struggle for the Americans, who shot 29 percent from the field and missed eight free throws throughout the contest. Jackie Young paced the offense as the only American player to score in double figures, while Chelsea Gray contributed key plays in the final minutes to prevent an Italian comeback. Italy, led by Cecilia Zandalisini with 14 points, maintained a competitive pace and defensive intensity for the duration of the game. This narrow result stands in contrast to a previous meeting between the two teams six months ago, where Team USA won by 34 points during a qualifying tournament. The American squad now looks to improve its focus and offensive execution as the tournament continues.
- •Team USA recorded a 55-52 win over Italy in Berlin.
- •Jackie Young led the United States with a double-digit scoring performance.
- •Cecilia Zandalisini finished with a team-high 14 points for Italy.
- •The Americans shot 29 percent from the field and made one 3-pointer.
- 12:27 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Bad Historic Precedent’ – Team USA’s ‘Terrible Offense’ Against Italy in the FIBA World Cup Draws Scathing Criticism
- 12:05 PMYahoo Sports — Team USA Slips By Italy In FIBA World Cup
- 10:04 AMYahoo Sports — Team USA set new low for the first time in over 50 years as Caitlin Clark scores just one point vs Italy
- 1:01 AMYahoo Sports — Team USA pushed to brink before escaping Italy in World Cup thriller
- 10:42 PMYahoo Sports — ‘She’s trash’ – Caitlin Clark catches flak as USA narrowly survive Italy scare at FIBA Women’s World Cup
- 9:35 PMYahoo Sports — Rather than a display of dominance, Team USA survived for a disgusting three-point win over Italy at the World Cup
"Team USA has long dominated international women’s basketball, and that might continue well into the future. Or not. On Sunday, Italy pushed the U.S. to the brink, before Kara Lawson’s team pulled it out, 55-52. Italy shot poorly, hitting just 2-15 on threes (13%), and 18-58 overall (31%). However, the U.S. was worse, hitting an […]
"Team USA were pushed to the limit by Italy on Sunday but managed to avoid a major upset, securing a 55-52 victory in their second Group D game at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. The Americans struggled badly from the field in what became a defensive battle, shooting just 29 per cent as Italy kept the contest close.
"Team USA narrowly avoided an embarrassing group-stage defeat to Italy in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup on Sunday. Despite a dominant first quarter, after which they led 19-8, the USA found themselves just three points ahead going into the final period.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 12:27 PM‘Bad Historic Precedent’ – Team USA’s ‘Terrible Offense’ Against Italy in the FIBA World Cup Draws Scathing Criticism
Team USA pulled off a narrow, hard-fought 55-52 victory over Italy on Sunday to advance directly to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Quarterfinals. While a win is still a win, the final score raised alarms among analysts.
- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 12:05 PMTeam USA Slips By Italy In FIBA World Cup
Team USA has long dominated international women’s basketball, and that might continue well into the future. Or not. On Sunday, Italy pushed the U.S. to the brink, before Kara Lawson’s team pulled it out, 55-52. Italy shot poorly, hitting just 2-15 on threes (13%), and 18-58 overall (31%). However, the U.S. was worse, hitting an […]
- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 10:04 AMTeam USA set new low for the first time in over 50 years as Caitlin Clark scores just one point vs Italy
Team USA narrowly avoided an embarrassing group-stage defeat to Italy in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup on Sunday. Despite a dominant first quarter, after which they led 19-8, the USA found themselves just three points ahead going into the final period.
- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 1:01 AMTeam USA pushed to brink before escaping Italy in World Cup thriller
Team USA survived major scare, beating Italy 55-52 despite historic shooting struggles. Caitlin Clark missing all six of her shots, scores 1 point
- Yahoo SportsSep 6, 2026, 10:42 PM‘She’s trash’ – Caitlin Clark catches flak as USA narrowly survive Italy scare at FIBA Women’s World Cup
Team USA were pushed to the limit by Italy on Sunday but managed to avoid a major upset, securing a 55-52 victory in their second Group D game at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. The Americans struggled badly from the field in what became a defensive battle, shooting just 29 per cent as Italy kept the contest close.
- Yahoo SportsSep 6, 2026, 9:35 PMRather than a display of dominance, Team USA survived for a disgusting three-point win over Italy at the World Cup
Italy gave Team USA tons of trouble in their second group play game at the FIBA World Cup.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WNBA•Nov 7, 2026, 4:39 PMCaitlin Clark quizzed on when her Taylor Swift-inspired shoes are being released
WNBA•Nov 7, 2026, 12:05 PMAngel Reese adds to speculation as Kelsey Mitchell allegedly unfollows the Fever
WNBA•Nov 7, 2026, 11:40 AM‘Beyond parody’: Fox News can’t stop talking about Sophie Cunningham after Republican midterm losses
WNBA•Nov 6, 2026, 2:05 AMCaitlin Clark attends Illinois versus Penn basketball game
WNBA•Nov 5, 2026, 7:36 PMGolden State Valkyries parade: How to celebrate WNBA championship in SF
WNBA•Nov 5, 2026, 5:27 PMWNBA free agency: Mitchell, Collier, Young among top 2027 free agents
