Team USA already has one win under its belt at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after defeating China in its opening game. Now, the American team is getting ready for another tough matchup, this time against Italy on Sunday.
Before the game, Caitlin Clark had a few words for an Italian player she knows well from the WNBA.
Caitlin Clark’s Hails Cecilia Zandalasini Ahead of FIBA World Cup Clash
During her postgame press conference after Team USA’s win against China, Clark was asked about Cecilia Zandalasini, who plays for the Golden State Valkyries and will now be on the opposite side while representing Italy.
Clark spoke highly of Zandalasini and pointed to the strong year she has had with the Valkyries. She also gave credit to Natalie Nakase, who serves as an assistant coach for Team USA while also being the head coach of Golden State.
“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,” Clark said.
Zandalasini joined the Golden State Valkyries after being selected from the Minnesota Lynx in the 2024 WNBA expansion draft in December 2024. She then signed a one-year contract with the Valkyries in early March 2025, ahead of the team’s inaugural season.
During the 2025 season, Zandalasini appeared in 19 games for Golden State. She averaged 10.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals in 23.7 minutes per game while shooting 44.7% from the field.
Zandalasini has continued to contribute for the Valkyries during the ongoing 2026 season. In 35 games, Zandalasini is averaging 8.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 0.9 steals in 19.1 minutes per game.
Clark also touched on what makes Zandalasini a difficult player to deal with. Her athleticism is one of the qualities that stands out, and she has already shown that she can make an impact on the international stage.
“She can stretch the floor. She can score in the mid-range. She has great size. She’s athletic. So she’ll be one of the keys to our scouting report, I’m sure. But she’s certainly had a tremendous year, and I would expect her to do the same for Italy as well,” Clark added during the interview.
Zandalasini got off to a strong start at the World Cup. In Italy’s opening Group D game against Czechia, she helped lead her country to a hard-fought 63-54 victory. She finished the game with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 33 minutes.
For Clark, the matchup will also provide a chance to face a familiar WNBA player on the international stage. And after praising Zandalasini before the game, she knows Team USA will have to be ready for the Italy star when the two teams meet.
