52-55: Zandalasini’s Italy comes within reach of a historic upset against the United States

The United States survived a major scare from Italy, winning 55-52 in Berlin after Cecilia Zandalasini and her teammates pushed the tournament favorite to the brink.

The Americans looked unusually uncertain from the start. Their shooting was poor, and they missed all six of their three-point attempts in the first half. Italy, returning to a World Cup after 32 years, played boldly in front of a large crowd at Berlin Arena while the star-studded United States appeared to begin at half speed.

Angel Reese helped the United States create its first separation with two consecutive blocks and a fast-break basket, opening an 8-17 lead. But Zandalasini then produced three spectacular plays, including a reverse in the paint, a three-pointer after beating her defender and a fadeaway over Caitlin Clark. Italy cut the gap to six points and lifted the crowd to its feet.

Italy’s defensive help in the paint continued to disrupt the Americans. After halftime, Zandalasini brought Italy within three points, and coach Kara Lawson turned to Clark, Paige Bueckers and Reese. Italy moved ahead 35-32 midway through the third quarter. It took 29 minutes for Bueckers to make the United States’ first three-pointer of the game.

Clark, who had set a U.S. record for assists in a World Cup game with 11 in the debut against China, never looked comfortable. Italy led again with six minutes remaining, but a contested offensive foul against Zandalasini with three minutes left halted the momentum. Italy argued the call should have produced a three-point play. After the arena scoreboard malfunctioned, a two-point shot by veteran Rebecca Gray put the United States ahead 55-50 with a minute left. Zandalasini missed the shot that could have sent the game to overtime. The United States finished the day with two wins and first place in Group D.