A gritty late surge lifts the US past Italy 55-52 in its toughest World Cup test in years

Aliyah Boston, of the United States, shoots over Italy’s Lorela Cubaj during the Women’s Basketball World Cup match between the United States and Italy in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)Jackie Young, of the United States, and Italy’s Mariella Santucci rebound during the Women’s Basketball World Cup match between the United States and Italy in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)Breanna Stewart, of the United States, shoots over Italy’s Lorela Cubaj during the Women’s Basketball World Cup match between the United States and Italy in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)Breanna Stewart, of the United States, goes for a shot in front of Italy’s Mariella Santucci during the Women’s Basketball World Cup match between the United States and Italy in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)Italian players react during the Women’s Basketball World Cup match between the United States and Italy in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

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Aliyah Boston, of the United States, shoots over Italy’s Lorela Cubaj during the Women’s Basketball World Cup match between the United States and Italy in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)