The Montenegro water polo team demonstrated its capabilities in matches against Spain and Croatia, but in a critical knockout game where a loss equates to elimination, the “sharks” faced a formidable challenge against Italy in the European Championship quarterfinals.

“Setebelo” decisively defeated Vladimir Gojković’s squad, winning 14:8, effectively providing a water polo masterclass across three quarters. Initially, our team appeared poised to compete for a medal, showcasing resilience in the first quarter.

A promising start led to a narrow 4:3 lead, but it proved inadequate against a powerhouse like Italy. Montenegro lacked the quality and belief needed to capitalize on this moment, failing to mount a significant challenge in such a pivotal stage.

The wait for a medal now extends to at least the World Championship in Doha next month; however, realistically, this pursuit might take even longer. Montenegro has been waiting since January 2020, when they secured bronze at the EP in Budapest.

Montenegro opened the match strongly, particularly in offense, where they strategically utilized multiple players and tested Marco del Lungo with accurate shots.

After establishing a 4:3 lead in the first period, the tide shifted dramatically in the second. Italy ramped up its defensive play, catching Montenegro off guard, leading to anxious moments in attack and missed opportunities against Petar Tešanović.

Goals from the Italians began to flow relentlessly; by halftime, they established a four-goal lead at 8:4—suggesting a lack of suspense for the remainder of the game. The gap widened to seven goals at 14:7, with the final goal of the match courtesy of Stefan Vidović…

Despite reaching the quarterfinals, Montenegro’s elimination by Italy means they will not secure a spot at the Olympic Games through this European Championship.

The team must earn their qualification in Doha this February…

MONTENEGRO – ITALY 8:14 (4:3, 0:5, 1:3, 3:3)

Zagreb – Swimming pool on Sava. Attendance: 300. Officials: Stavridis (Greece), Kovač-Čatloš (Hungary). Power plays: Montenegro 15 (7), Italy 6 (4). Penalties: Montenegro + (), Italy 1 (1).

MONTENEGRO: Lazović, Vujović 1, Perković, Averka, Mačić, Mršić 1, Vidović 1, Đ. Radović 2, Ukropina 1, Spaić 1, Matković 1, V. Radović, Tešanović (eight saves).

ITALY: Del Lungo (10 saves), Di Fulvio 2, Condemi, Marciali 1, Fondelli 2, Veloto 2, Rencuto Jodiće, Ećenike 2, Prešuti, Bruni 1, Di Soma 4, Dolce, Nicosia.