‘Make you pay’ – Team USA coach gives verdict on Italy ahead of FIBA World Cup clash
· Yahoo Sports
USA head coach Kara Lawson has been speaking about the team’s upcoming FIBA World Cup tie with Italy, who she has described as ‘talented’.
The USA got their 2026 World Cup campaign off to a brilliant start on Friday, beating China 94-61.
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The game went very well for debutants like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, but attention must now quickly turn towards Italy.
In turn, coach Lawson has already been commenting on the USA’s upcoming opponents, who they will play on Sunday.
Kara Lawson says Italy are ‘one of the best teams in Europe’
Speaking at the post-China press conference on September 4, Lawson warned that her team must be ‘disciplined defensively’ or Italy will punish them.
She also said that they are ‘One of the best teams in Europe’ and singled out Cecilia Zandalasini as a key player for the Italians.
Lawson said: “You play a team as talented as Italy. You know, Ceci (Cecilia Zandalasini) gives them someone that plays with so much confidence.
“And I think that kind of goes through the rest of the team. You have to be very exact and disciplined defensively with them because when you make a mistake, they make you pay. Their movement is really good, as well. And so, we’re going to be challenged. We’re going to be challenged.
“We’ll take tomorrow to prep. And it’s a World Cup. You’re going to be challenged in every game. I think that’s, you know, that’s part of the fun of it. One of the best teams in Europe, and we’re looking forward to the matchup.”
Italy also began their World Cup campaign on Friday, beating the Czech Republic 63-54.
Golden State Valkyries star Zandalasini was their highest scorer on the day, managing 19 points.
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