As the world’s top teams prepare to clash in Singapore, Total Waterpolo spoke exclusively with four of the biggest names in the game: Giacomo Cannella (Italy), Ryder Dodd (USA), Strahinja Rasovic (Serbia), and Marko Zuvela (Croatia). From expectations to personal development, and from team strength to tactical focus, these players shared their thoughts ahead of the 2025 World Championships.
And as always, Total Waterpolo will follow every single match live, delivering the most detailed in-game statistics in the world. All major stories, reactions, and behind-the-scenes updates will also be brought to fans across our social media channels and our official Singapore 2025 page.
WE ARE SETTEBELLO
Italy enters every tournament with high expectations, and the 2025 World Championships are no exception. Italian sharpshooter Giacomo Cannella knows the weight of history and tradition that comes with wearing the Settebello cap.
“We are the Settebello — fans always expect the best from us,” Cannella told Total Waterpolo. “Our only goal is to win every competition we enter.”
When asked whether Italy accepts the role of being one of the top favorites, Cannella was cautious but confident.
“We’re a great mix of debutants and experienced players, and we have a lot of quality across the roster. With these new rules in play, anything can happen — we’ll see how it all unfolds in the coming days.”
YOUNG AND HUNGRY
Team USA’s next-generation leader, Ryder Dodd, is stepping into the spotlight with confidence and maturity beyond his years. With several key veterans missing from the Singapore roster, the 19-year-old sees this as a golden opportunity.
“Honestly, I think losing some of our veterans is good for us,” Dodd said. “It forces others to step into new roles, and that can really elevate the entire team. I’m super excited — we have so much potential to grow.”
Heading into the tournament, Dodd has focused intensely on one key part of his development:
“The biggest thing I’ve been working on is my physicality. Being a younger guy, I’m going up against some of the strongest veterans in the game, so I’ve tried to close that strength gap. I’m excited to see the progress I’ve made in that area.”
LIVING WITH PRESSURE
After Serbia’s Olympic gold in Paris, expectations are high — and Strahinja Rasovic knows the spotlight is fixed squarely on his team.
“I don’t feel pressure in a negative way. I feel like an Olympic champion,” he said. “When you play for Serbia, you must live with pressure — you train with it, and you learn to play with it.”
Rasovic believes the Serbian squad is full of potential surprise performers — but he singled out one area that could be their biggest strength.
“I believe in every teammate. It wouldn’t surprise me if anyone becomes unstoppable. But if I had to choose, I’d say our goalkeepers could be the key to our success.”
DEFENSE IS THE KEY
Croatia comes into Singapore as the reigning world champion, aiming to do what only two teams in history — Spain and the former Yugoslavia — have done before: defend the title.
Midfield maestro Marko Zuvela knows how steep the challenge will be.
“We’ll give our best and see how far we can go,” he said.
With rule changes set to impact the flow of the game, Zuvela is clear on what will matter most:
“Defense. That’s going to be the most important element under the new rules.”
Stay tuned to Total Waterpolo for full live coverage from Singapore 2025 — with real-time scoring, deep statistics, and all the stories that matter. You won’t miss a single goal, save, or surprise.
