A year and a half ago, Italy relinquished the world title to Spain at Margitsiget, Budapest, but they sought revenge when it was least expected…

“Setebelo” triumphed over a previously flawless team in two major 2024 competitions, as the esteemed Alessandro Campagna provided invaluable water polo insights to his junior counterpart David Martin. Italy defeated Spain with a score of 8:6, securing the first spot in the World Championship finals in Doha.

By the end of the third quarter, only one team dominated the “Aspire Home” pool. Spain, fresh off a dominant European gold win, was down by two goals, with Italy pulling ahead thanks to stellar defense, reaching a significant 6:2 lead.

The “Furija” team finally responded with just a minute and a half left in the third quarter, as Mark Larumbe scored to bring the score to 6:3. The European champions demonstrated resilience, narrowing the gap to 6:5 in the final quarter, but Campagna maintained composure even during the most challenging moments.

The exceptional Francesco di Fulvio netted for 7:5, while Andrea Fondelli sealed the game with the final score of 8:6 by stopping another threat from Spain.

Italy’s remarkable victory was propelled by outstanding goalkeeper Marco del Lungo, who made 12 saves, alongside Francesco Condemi, Di Fulvio, and Fondelli, each contributing two goals.

On the opposing side, Alberto Munaris and Mark Larumbe were the double scorers for Spain, while the “setebel” defense effectively neutralized Spain’s key offensive weapon, Alvaro Granados.

Italy now sets its sights on clinching the fifth world championship title against the winner of the second semi-final between Croatia and France (at 15:30).

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