Three points separated Italy from the United States on Sunday, the margin Cecilia Zandalasini tried to erase with a game-tying 3-pointer in the closing seconds of a 55-52 Women's World Cup defeat. She missed and then confronted officials on the floor before staff members held her back. Zandalasini publicly apologized in the postgame press conference.
Zandalasini was creating space off the dribble, guarded by Jackie Young, when she reacted as if Young's hand had caught her across the face on the way up. Officials called no foul. She put up the shot under pressure. It did not fall, and the game ended.
What followed was visible. Zandalasini turned toward the officials and was seen yelling before staff members moved in and held her back. The moment closed out a game Italy had kept competitive throughout, with the United States working the foul line down the stretch, drawing fouls off interior offense and converting free throws to hold their lead.
In the postgame press conference, she did not deflect. "I would like to apologize for the way I reacted," Zandalasini said. "It wasn't sportsmanship at all. Yeah, just wanted to apologize to the team and the referee. When I wear this jersey, it's just a different me I guess. I feel embarrassed. I just wanted to say that out loud and to whoever watches."
Zandalasini finished with 14 points and seven rebounds in 27 minutes.
| Player | Team | Pts | Reb | Ast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zandalasini | ITA | 14 | 7 | - |
| Young | USA | 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Reese | USA | 8 | 3 | - |
Young led the United States with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. Angel Reese added eight points and three rebounds.