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Caitlin Clark knew exactly which player could cause problems for Team USA against Italy. The Indiana Fever star singled out Golden State Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini before the teams met in the group stage of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Clark praised Zandalasini’s development and versatility, pointing to her ability to stretch the floor, score from the midrange and use her size against different defenders.
It turned out to be a remarkably accurate scouting report. Zandalasini scored a game-high 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds Sunday as Italy pushed Team USA to the final possession. The Americans survived 55-52, avoiding what would have been their first World Cup loss in two decades.
Clark’s comments were shared by Euro Women’s Hoops before the game.
“She’ll be one of the keys to our scouting report,” Clark said while discussing the Italian forward.
That was not empty pregame praise. Zandalasini nearly became the centerpiece of a historic upset.
Cecilia Zandalasini gives Team USA everything it can handle
Zandalasini entered the World Cup after a productive WNBA season with Golden State.
Caitlin Clark on Cecilia Zandalasini:
“She had an incredible year with the Valks. Coach Nat, who's on our staff, has been able to coach her and really get the best out of her.
I think she's an incredible player. It seems like every game she continues to get better and better👇 pic.twitter.com/O27cflIGkk
She averaged 8.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists over 35 appearances, including 32 starts. Those numbers do not fully capture her value as a floor-spacer and experienced international player.
Clark also understood Zandalasini’s strengths through a familiar connection.
Golden State coach Natalie Nakase is part of Kara Lawson’s Team USA staff, giving the Americans someone with an intimate understanding of the Italian star’s game.
Even with that knowledge, the United States struggled to contain her. Italy trailed 19-8 after the first quarter but gradually disrupted the Americans with its defensive pressure and physicality. The Italians moved ahead during the second half and still led 50-49 with fewer than four minutes remaining.
MORE: Caitlin Clark makes telling admission after historic Team USA debut
Zandalasini had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but her contested 3-point attempt missed.
Team USA escaped despite shooting 29 percent from the field and only 8.3 percent from beyond the arc. The Americans missed their first 10 3-point attempts before Paige Bueckers finally connected. The close finish offered two significant conclusions.
First, Italy showed that Team USA is not invincible.
Second, Clark’s basketball instincts translated perfectly to the scouting process. She identified the greatest danger before the game, and Zandalasini nearly delivered one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Clark has always been celebrated for seeing plays before they develop. Her warning about Zandalasini showed that vision is not limited to the passes she makes on the court.
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