“Setebelo: A Smooth Journey with the Hungarians”
Edoardo di Soma, a member of the Italian bronze squad, Photo: BETAPHOTO
“Setebelo” has been yearning for the European title for nearly thirty years, and the coveted medal finally arrived after a decade-long drought.
The Italian water polo team clinched third place at the European Championship, with Alessandro Campagna’s squad easily triumphing over Hungary in the bronze medal match with a score of 12:7.
A mere eight days prior, Hungary had decisively defeated Italy (10:5) in group play, but today told a different story. “Setebelo” established an early lead, reaching a significant 9:3 advantage, making the outcome of the match a formality.
Andrea Fondeli and Gonsalo Ećenike were the standout players for Italy, each netting three goals, while goalkeeper Marco del Lungo made an impressive nine saves.
On the Hungarian side, Vince Vigvari scored three times.
The last time Italy captured the European crown was in 1995, overcoming Hungary at the legendary “Prater” stadium in Vienna under the guidance of Ratko Rudić.
In addition to that victory, “Setebelo” boasts two more European titles.
Hungary, a 13-time European champion, having secured gold in 2020 and silver in 2022, failed to medal this time around. However, this will likely not concern the federation, as coach Žolt Varga arrived in Zagreb with a mixed team.
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