World Swimming Championships, Settebello off the podium

Settebello knockout

Settebello’s path to the world championships in Fukuoka stops in the quarterfinals. Serbia, with 7 rookies and a bright future ahead of them, went through, beating reigning world vice-champion Italy on penalties 15-14 after equalizing with centerboa Ubovic with 48 seconds left (11-11). Mitrovic’s save on southpaw Damonte proved decisive in the penalty shootout (previously also saved shots by Di Somma and soon after by Radulovic). The Azzurri, often leading (3-2, 4-3, 6-5, 7-6, 8-7, 9-8, 10-9, 11-10), never managed to disengage. They will now play for fifth place.

Coach Campagna’s comment: “It was a very physical match with a great intensity, the one I expected. The boys were in the match until the end, but unfortunately it was not enough. We lost because of some details, we got screwed by some blocks that allowed the ball to easily get to the center. Despite that we held, we were often ahead without being able to stretch and we committed a naivety at the end putting us at M. When you give your soul it is not a defeat, it is not a failure, it is a path of individual and collective growth. Also playing the first intense game after four easier matches probably penalized us. However, I have nothing to say to the boys; we continue with our heads held high. We have to honor the tournament even if stimuli and emotions will be lower. We are the Settebello and we will give everything.”

Captain Del Lungo’s comment: “After a high level performance it burns so much to be eliminated especially on penalties after it already went bad last year with the defeat in the final against Spain. However, it is a defeat that we have to learn from and will serve to go even higher. I also want to pay compliments to my teammates because they played a beautiful game with continuous actions, great intensity, effort. Now we have to honor the tournament and reward our sacrifices with the best possible position and then we will think about the European Championship.”