As the Italian League reaches its thrilling climax, two fierce rivals, Pro Recco and Brescia, are set to face off in the 104th final. This monumental clash marks the 10th consecutive year that these power teams have battled for the championship title. While Pro Recco has enjoyed unparalleled success, winning 9 out of the last 10 titles, Brescia managed to break dominance in 2021. As the final approaches, water polo enthusiasts around the country eagerly anticipate whether Pro Recco will continue their dominance or if Brescia can replicate their victorious campaign from two years ago.
2022/23 Italian League, final, preview
Road to final
Pro Recco showcased their strength in the regular season and has the advantage of a home stand. With an impressive record of 25 wins, 1 draw, and 0 losses, they accumulated a total of 76 points. Their consistent performance secured them the first-place position in the standings. Pro Recco faced off against Telimar in the semifinals and demonstrated prowess once again. With a determined display, they emerged victorious with a commanding 2-0 scoreline, leaving no room for their opponents to stage a comeback.
On the other hand, Brescia, who finished second in the regular season, entered the semifinals led by coach Alessandro Bovo. Having experienced an upset in the Italian Cup semifinals against Ortigia, Brescia was determined not to allow it to repeat itself. True to their intentions, Brescia put on a strong performance and denied Ortigia any chance of causing an upset. They convincingly clinched a 2-0 victory, showcasing resilience and determination to secure their spot in the finals.
This season head-to-head, rivals played two matches in the Italian league:
Brescia 6-6 Pro Recco (11th February), Pro Recco 4-7 Brescia (12th November 2022).
Aicardi against Brescia; photo by Pro Recco
Can Brescia repeat 2021
In 2021, Brescia clinched the title. Led by coach Bovo, they boasted an excellent team comprising high-class players such as Maro Jokovic, Angelos Vlachopoulos, Marco Del Luongo (now a goalkeeper in Pro Recco), and Giacomo Cannella (currently playing for Pro Recco). Bovo implemented a highly effective defensive tactic known as the “M zone,” which played a crucial role in Brescia’s journey to the championship. Fast forward to the current season, Brescia continues to impress with their outstanding performances. They currently hold the top spot in the Champions League group. One of the standout players in the world right now is Edoardo Di Somma, who is instrumental in Brescia’s success. The team also benefits from the contributions of Balkan players Boris Vapenski (Serbian but playing for Georgia), Konstantin Kharkov (Russian but playing for Croatia), Petar Tesanovic, and Djordje Lazic. Alongside them, Italian players Vincenzo Dolce, Jacopo Alesiani, and Stefano Luongo have proven to be pivotal for the team’s achievements.
“In my opinion for the third consecutive year, we are competitive. We have been together with this group for two years, we can express a high-level game as demonstrated by our path. I think this has been an excellent starting point for this final phase”. – Alessandro Bovo told before the finish.
Alessandro Bovo timeout; photo by Izunja
On Friday, Brescia faced off against Ferencvaros. However, the outcome was not in Brescia’s favor, as they fell short against their formidable opponents, with a final score of 10-6. In a separate match on Saturday, Pro Recco took on Jadran Split. Pro Recco demonstrated prowess and emerged victorious, outplaying Jadran Split with a commanding score of 14-7. The triumph boosted Pro Recco, as they continue to strive for success in their pursuit of two major trophies.
Both Brescia and Pro Recco have their sights set on claiming two prestigious titles before the season close. The Italian League and the Champions League are the coveted prizes they are vying for. With both teams displaying formidable skills, the chances of achieving their goals appear evenly balanced, standing at 50:50. However, it should be noted that lopsided contests would come as a surprise, considering the competitive nature and skill level of the teams involved.
History
ALL ITALIAN CHAMPIONS: Pro Recco – 34 (reigning champion), Posillipo – 11 (the last title in 2004), Florenita – 9 (1980), Andrea Doria – 8 (1931), Canottieri Napoli – 8 (1990), Camogli – 6 (1957), Napoli – 5 (1950), Genova – 4 (1919), Pescara – 3 (1998), Savona – 3 (2005), Milan – 2 (1932), Roma – 2 (1999), Brescia – 2 (2021), Sportiva Sturia – 1 (1923), Triestina – 1 (1929), Canottieri Olona – 1 (1947), Lazio (1956), Bogliasco (1981).
Schedule – best-of-three
The first game (17th May): 18.30 Pro Recco – Brescia
The Second game (20th May): 18.45 Brescia – Pro Recco
The third game (27th May): 21.00 Pro Recco – Brescia
Read more about Italian Water polo
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more video content, subscribe to our Youtube Channel and Tik Tok account
Find all episodes of the Total Waterpolo Podcast here
