Italy Edges Serbia in a Heart-Stopping Shootout Thriller on Day Two of the Men’s Water Polo World Championships…Read More…
The Men’s Water Polo World Championships in Kazan delivered yet another electrifying chapter on its second day, as defending champions Italy clashed with long-time rivals Serbia in a pulse-pounding match that pushed both teams to the brink — and ultimately to a nerve-wracking shootout. When the water settled, it was Italy who emerged victorious, clinching a dramatic win that sent a ripple through the championship landscape.
A Clash of Titans
From the opening whistle, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be an ordinary poolside encounter. Italy, known for their disciplined defense and lightning-quick counterattacks, faced a Serbian squad renowned for their physicality, sharp shooting, and unrivaled resilience.
The first quarter set the tone with both teams exchanging fierce defensive stands. Italy’s goalkeeper, Marco Del Lungo, was a wall in front of the net, denying two early Serbian power plays. On the opposite end, Serbia’s Branislav Mitrović matched him save for save, frustrating Italy’s efforts to penetrate the goal line.
By halftime, the scoreboard reflected the neck-and-neck battle — a 4-4 deadlock that left the packed stands in Kazan buzzing with anticipation.
Trading Blows, Goal for Goal
The third quarter ignited a scoring spree as Italy’s Francesco Di Fulvio opened with a thunderous shot from distance, sneaking past Mitrović to give Italy a slender lead. But Serbia, unfazed, answered almost immediately with a backhand goal from Dušan Mandić, leveling the match once again.
Every attack seemed to demand a heroic defensive stand or a moment of brilliance. Italy’s Luca Marziali converted a man-up advantage with a slick lob, but Serbia’s captain Filip Filipović responded with a blistering drive that sent shockwaves across the pool.
Heading into the final quarter, the scoreboard remained stubbornly tied at 7-7 — a testament to the unyielding fight both sides brought into the arena.
The Final Push
With the final minutes ticking away, tension wrapped itself around every pass and every shot. Italy briefly edged ahead with an expertly executed goal from Andrea Fondelli, sending the Italian fans into a frenzy. However, Serbia’s relentless pressure bore fruit when Nikola Jakšić powered in a last-minute equalizer, forcing the match into a penalty shootout with an 8-8 scoreline.
Shootout Drama Unfolds
If regulation time was gripping, the shootout was nothing short of cinematic. Both goalkeepers, Del Lungo and Mitrović, stood as the last lines of hope for their nations, fully aware that a single save could tilt the balance.
Italy struck first, with Di Fulvio calmly slotting his shot into the top corner. Serbia’s Mandić answered with equal composure. The crowd held its collective breath as each player stepped up, turning the shootout into a test of nerves and precision.
The turning point came in the fourth round when Del Lungo guessed right, spectacularly parrying away a shot from Serbia’s Strahinja Rašović. Italy capitalized immediately with Edoardo Di Somma finding the back of the net, giving Italy the edge they desperately needed.
With everything on the line, Serbia’s final shooter, Gavril Subotić, needed to score to keep the contest alive. But Del Lungo, in what may be remembered as one of the standout moments of the championship, blocked the shot with an outstretched arm, sealing a hard-fought 13-12 shootout victory for the Italians.
Voices from the Pool
After the emotional win, Italy’s head coach, Alessandro Campagna, hailed his team’s resilience.
“This is the kind of fight we prepared for. Serbia pushed us to our limits, but we believed in our system and each other. Marco [Del Lungo] was incredible — that shootout performance was world-class,” Campagna said.
Del Lungo, hailed as the hero of the night, downplayed his role with typical humility.
“I was just doing my job. In moments like this, it’s about trust — trusting your instincts, trusting your team. We fought until the last second, and that’s what counts,” he told reporters.
On the other side, Serbia’s head coach, Dejan Savić, acknowledged the heartbreaking loss but praised both teams’ competitive spirit.
“We gave everything. Sometimes, the shootout is a cruel decider. But this is what the World Championships are about — two great teams battling until the very end,” Savić remarked.
Implications for the Tournament
The result sent Italy soaring atop Group B, giving them a crucial advantage heading into the knockout rounds. With this hard-earned victory, the Italians have reaffirmed their status as serious contenders for the championship crown.
For Serbia, the loss is a bitter pill but far from a knockout blow. Their spirited performance, especially under pressure, will surely keep them in the mix as the tournament progresses.
As the Men’s Water Polo World Championships unfold, this epic Italy-Serbia clash has set a high bar — a thrilling reminder of the sport’s raw intensity and the unbreakable spirit of its athletes. With more action-packed encounters on the horizon, fans worldwide can expect plenty more fireworks in the days to come.
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