Italy in dreamland after ripping up script against USA

A comeback, three points — and a performance worthy of Italy.

The Azzurrine kicked off their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™ campaign with a history-making display to secure their maiden victory in the global showpiece. And it came against three-times champions USA, no less.

The Stars and Stripes went into the game as heavy favourites and appeared to be heading for victory after Micayla Johnson opened the scoring in the 18th minute. But Nicola Matteucci's side ripped up the script and battled to a hard-fought win. After trailing early in the game, Paola Fadda and Giada Pellegrino Cimo struck either side of half-time to send the Italians into dreamland.

“We knew that it wasn’t going to be a game where we dominated for 90 minutes. We knew that we’d have to dig in,” Matteucci told FIFA. “I’m so proud of the performance and how we approached the match. They played a great game."

After Johnson's opener for the USA, the Italians showed their mettle and fought their way back into the game. They continued to play with personality and refused to abandon their possession-based approach, while also remaining compact when Vicky Jepson's team stepped up the pressure. Italy did not lose their identity and did not shy away from playing with character.

And they were rewarded for their hard work in the 40th minute when Fadda levelled the scores after finding herself “in the right place at the right time,” as she admitted to FIFA. “I’m really happy to score. “I had a strange feeling and I knew the opportunity would come, and I said to myself that I have to score."

The turning point came in the second half. Italy upped the tempo and began to find more openings, putting the USA defence under pressure. Pellegrino Cimo completed the comeback, putting Italy 2-1 ahead with a goal that would prove to be the winner on a historic night for the European side.

Azzurra Gallo's impressive performance saw her pick up the Visa Player of the Match award. “We made history. We battled hard and gave USA a tough time when we had the chance. The energy from the stands really helped us," the captain said.

“What makes the difference at international level is the team: helping each other when you’re in difficulty, supporting the double-team, and making that extra run."

The start of something special

For Matteucci, the victory was the perfect start to the tournament: “I think we've just written the first chapter of this adventure, because this is only the first game of the tournament,” said the Italy coach. “It's only right that the girls enjoy this moment, because they earned it through great sacrifice."

But the 45-year-old was impressed with one aspect in particular. “The team tried to keep the ball tonight and played with character from the first minute to the 95th,” he emphasised.

After the final whistle, Gallo was keen to share the credit with everyone who had supported the team to Poland. “I'm proud of every single player in the squad and of the entire staff as well,” said the captain, dedicating the victory to her family, her team-mates, and everyone who supports the national team.

Fadda also emphasised the importance of team spirit. “I think we have an amazing group,” she said. “We have a determination that's truly second to none, and we believed in ourselves from the very beginning — even before we stepped onto the pitch. We told ourselves that we could beat USA and we did it."

Matteucci sees this as his team’s greatest strength: “In tough moments, this mentality — rather than anything technical or tactical — is so important. They are humans and the players help each other out and find a way through every situation.”

But Matteucci knows that his side can’t rest on their laurels – especially at a World Cup. The Azzurrine play against New Zealand in their second group game as they look to maintain their electric start to the tournament.

For the moment though, Italy can enjoy a special evening after an unforgettable and historic victory.