ROME (AP) — The U.S. women’s soccer team is getting ready to face Italy in a playoff for the World Cup.
The Americans were forced into the playoff when they were upset by Mexico in the semifinals. The U.S. then beat Costa Rica in the third-place game and advanced to the playoff against Italy.
U.S. forward Abby Wambach says she doesn’t expect Italy “to roll over.”
Italy hosts the opening leg in Padua, near Venice, on Saturday. The other match in the total-goals series is scheduled for Nov. 27 near Chicago in Bridgeview, Ill.
Italy coach Pietro Ghedin rates his team’s chances of qualifying at 10 percent, “because America is America. They’re still No. 1 — unfortunately.”
The winner will gain the final berth for the 16-team tournament in Germany next year.
