Seven-ball bronze at European water polo championships

European water polo: Seven-ball bronze 

After losing in the semifinals to Spain, the Settebello redeemed themselves against Hungary in the final for third place at the men’s water polo European Championships in Zagreb. The Azzurri beat the world champions by a score of 12-7 to win the bronze medal, returning to the continental podium after ten years.

For Italy è it was the 12th medal at the European water polo championships: 3 golds, 2 silvers and 7 bronzes in 36 editions. The Azzurri dominated the match: they ripped immediately on 6-1, changed the field on 8-3 and gradually fueled the break to +8 (12-4). To score Echenique and Fondelli (3), Cannella (2), Renzuto Iodice, Presciutti, Di Somma and Velotto. 

"We closed the European with an important medal – stressed coach Campagna . I saw a growing team, which played very well, with great attention and application. We take the bronze, a European podium that had been missing for ten years, a few days of more carefree rest and it is back to training to prepare for a world championship to be played with the same ambitions as always. I had asked for a strong start right away; the boys went above and beyond, pushing until the end. This team if it reads matches well canò be devastating".

Italy has not yet qualified for the Paris Olympics: the last four passes will be awarded by the world championships, scheduled in Doha from February 5 to 17: "We know that the path to the Olympics will be of great suffering and we are ready to face it with the right spirit" concluded the Settebello coach.