The disappointing performance in Konversan was not a fluke; the Montenegrin handball players fell short in their World Championship playoff rematch, with Italy securing a 34:32 victory at “Morača” and rightfully earning a spot in the World Cup.

The “Lions” continue to struggle, having failed to present themselves as a cohesive team over the two matches, despite the belief that they were superior to the Italians.

Thursday’s game in Italy revealed issues, and today’s encounter reinforced that problem, as Vlad Šola’s squad never effectively looked like they could find their rhythm or challenge their opponent for the top spot in a major tournament for the first time since 1998.

Simply put, Montenegro underperformed in key matches needed to qualify for the WC, leaving fans—who packed the “Morača” arena to capacity—disappointed.

While the players received cheers even after the elimination, the coach was not so fortunate, with chants of “Schola, leave” resonating from the crowd.

Luka Radović led Montenegro with six goals, followed by Branko Vujović and Vuko Borozan with five each. Nemanja Grbović contributed four before bidding farewell to the national team jersey.

Italy’s offense was led by Simone Mengon and Umberto Bronco, each netting eight goals, while Giacomo Savini added two.

End of game: Montenegro suffered another defeat against Italy in the rematch (34:32), completing a disappointing campaign and missing out on a World Championship berth.

In contrast, the Italians are heading to their first major competition since 1998, when they last participated in the European Championship.

The sentiments of the fans were reflective of the team’s performance, as they sang “Schola, leave” at the conclusion of the match—a clear message to the legendary Croatian goalkeeper and the Handball Association of Montenegro.

Shola calls a time-out amid whistles from the stands.

The “Lions” are striving to avoid defeat, currently trailing 30:29 to Italy.

It can be confirmed that Italy has secured a spot in the World Cup.

With less than seven minutes remaining, Montenegro’s chances of a comeback seem slim as Italy leads 29:27.

A quick run of three goals by our team brings them closer—it’s now just a one-goal deficit at 27:26 with just under 11 minutes left.

The Italians have taken a time-out, and the “Lions” need a victory margin of at least six goals.

Italy responds effectively to Montenegro’s run, regaining a comfortable three-goal lead at 27:24.

Montenegro scores three in a row, making it a two-goal deficit at 25:23, thanks to Čavor’s skillful finish.

Branko Vujović and Grbović put Montenegro on the board again, but Italy still leads 25:22 with just over 15 minutes to go.

Montenegro’s path to the World Cup is nearly impossible; Italy is comfortably ahead at 25:20 after winning the first leg 32:26.

Simic is back in goal as Italy maintains a 22:20 advantage.

Ćorsović executes a brilliant counterattack, bringing the score to 21:19.

A red card is shown to Vasilij Kaluđerović for a harsh foul on Mengon. Montenegro loses a key player with twenty minutes remaining, complicating an already challenging situation.

Five minutes later, Montenegro falls behind 19:17 after goals from Branko Vujović and Grbović.

Aleksandar Bakić opens the second half by scoring, reducing the gap to 17:14, but Helmerson counters with a goal from the seven-meter line, making it 14:18.

The second half kicks off with Montenegro trailing 17:13.

Half time: Montenegro finds itself in serious trouble, with fans voicing their discontent as Italy leads 17:13 at the break.

Our team previously lost 32:26 in the first leg.

Matović makes a crucial save against Bronco’s penalty shot, but the latter dives for the ball to net it—it’s clear that the Italians are hungrier for victory and World Cup qualification than Montenegro.

The “Azuri” lead 16:13 as the first half nears its conclusion.

Kaluđerović narrows the gap to 14:13, while Branko Vujović makes a save just before Mengon scores, pushing the score to 15:13.