In an exciting, friendly match in the “Foro Italico” pool in Rome, Italy secured a narrow 8:7 victory against Croatia. The winner was determined in the dying seconds.
The game was part of a big swimming meeting held at the same venue just before the match and was witnessed by 5,000 spectators.
The match also served as an opportunity to celebrate the upcoming birthday of Italy’s head coach, Alessandro Campagna. The win was a fitting birthday gift for the coach, who will turn 60 in three days.
With this victory, Italy also avenged its defeat to Croatia in a friendly match held two days earlier in Ostia (6:7).
Friendly match, Rome
Italy – Croatia 8:7 (3:0, 2:2, 2:3, 1:2)
Italy: Cannella 3, Echenique 2, Di Fulvio 1, Alesiani 1, Fondelli 1.
Croatia: Bukic 2, Duzevic 2, Butic 1, Kragic 1, Krapic 1.
Italy got off to a great start and earned a 3:0 lead in the first quarter. However, Croatia, which was without goalkeeper Marko Bijac, consolidated its defense and started coming back after the first break.
In the last minute of the third period, the Croats narrowed the distance to one goal, after Butic found the net for 5:6. But, Canella responded shortly after with a power-play goal and Italy headed in the final quarter leading 7:5.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Croatia converted two man-ups within 49 seconds (Bukic and Krapic) and caught up with Italy – 7:7. However, the hosts emerged as a winner in a thrilling contest as Gonzalo Echenique converted a 6 on 5 with 16 seconds left on the clock to set the final score – 8:7.
In a few days, Italy will travel to the USA for the World Cup Final in Los Angeles. Croatia will have a few days off before it continues the preparations for the World Championships.
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