Football Daily | Gattuso goes on the offensive with Italy at risk of unwanted World Cup hat-trick

Naomi Girma has been named to the US women's national team roster for upcoming friendlies against Italy on November 28 and December 1. The defender returns after recovering from a calf injury that sidelined her since the start of the season with Chelsea. Girma recently played in Chelsea's Champions League match against St Pölten and participated in a draw with Liverpool, marking her first involvement with the US team since July 2.

Italy has qualified for the 2026 World Cup playoffs, but there is growing anxiety about potentially missing out on the tournament again. The playoff format remains unchanged, with four separate matches determining which teams will secure their places in the World Cup. Italy's recent performances have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.

Mexico suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Paraguay in their final match of 2025, raising significant concerns about the team's performance. The match showcased Mexico's strong first half but a troubling start to the second half, which ultimately led to their loss. This defeat follows a previous match that ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving the team under scrutiny and doubt regarding their capabilities moving forward.

Italy secured their place in the Elite Round of the European Under-19 Championship with a narrow 1-0 victory over Poland. The win was crucial as Italy needed to finish among the top two teams in their group to advance. This victory not only highlights Italy's strong performance in the tournament but also underscores their potential as a competitive force in youth football on the European stage.