United States Women vs. Italy: USWNT Lineup As Expected

The United States has hit the beginning of the end of their journey to qualify for the 2011 Women's World Cup, needing to defeat Italy in a home and away playoff to qualify. The first half of that tie is this morning at 10:30 am ET in Padova, Italy. The rosters are out and coach Pia Sundhage has gone with the exact lineup that Jenna Pel and I predicted yesterday in our conversation about the game.

United States lineup: Barnhart, Buehler, Rampone, Lepeilbet, Mitts, Rapinoe, Boxx, Lloyd, O'Reilly, Wambach, Rodriguez

Italy lineup: Picarelli, Manieri, D'Adda, Tuttino, Tona, Neboli, Domenichetti, Gabbiadini, Panico, Zorri, Fuselli

If the pace of the game is high while Shannon Boxx and the United States fullbacks are keeping their positioning, the United States are in good shape. If the U.S. is playing a slower tempo and Boxx, Heather Mitts, and Rachel Buehler get caught out on their defensive responsibilities, the U.S. could be in trouble. 

The game can be seen on ESPN3.com with J.P. Dellacamera on the play by play.