Pro Recco takes commanding lead in final series

May 16, 2023

Ivovic (Pro Recco); photo by Pro Recco

In a thrilling match, Pro Recco secured an advantage in the final series by defeating Brescia with a score of 7-3. Despite the relatively low goal count of 10, both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the game. Pro Recco’s victory in the first match puts them in a favorable position to clinch their 35th title when they face Brescia in the next encounter.

Final – Italian league

Pro Recco – Brescia 7-3 (2–1, 0-1, 2-1, 3–0)

Pro Recco: Di Fulvio 2, Zalanki 1, Ivovic 1, Presciutti 1, Echenique 1, Cannela 1.

Brescia: Alesiani 1, Di Somma 1, Renzuto Iodice 1.

The match kicked off with an early goal by Di Somma, giving Brescia the lead at 0-1. However, Pro Recco quickly turned the tables with two impressive goals from Di Fulvio and Presciutti, allowing them to take a 2-1 lead by the end of the first period. Pro Recco’s attackers demonstrated exceptional precision and skill, capitalizing on opportunities and putting pressure on Brescia’s defense. Renzuto Iodice equalized the score at 2-2 with a well-executed goal, bringing the teams to a tie at halftime. Pro Recco’s Ivovic responded swiftly with a goal, reestablishing their lead at 3-2. Nevertheless, Brescia’s Alesiani showcased his scoring prowess, bringing the scoreline to 3-3. Pro Recco’s Cannela stepped up in the 30th second before the quarter’s end, firing a powerful shot into the net and putting his team ahead at 4-3. In the final quarter, Pro Recco asserted superiority over Brescia. The hosts s formidable defense denied Brescia any scoring opportunities, while their offense continued to pose a threat. In the last eight minutes of the match, Pro Recco dominated the game, netting three goals and preventing Brescia from mounting a comeback. The final score of 7-3 solidified Pro Recco’s victory and gave them a significant advantage in the final series.

Third place

Ortigia – Telimar 16-9 (3–0, 5–4, 3–3, 5-2)

Ortigia: Ferrero 4, Rossi 3, F. Condemi 3, Cassia 2, Di Luciano 2, A. Condemi 1, Carnesecchi 1.

Telimar: Irving 2, Hooper 2, Vitale 2, Di Patti 1, Gliberti 1, Occhione 1.

In the first quarter of the match, Ortigia took an early lead, scoring three goals to make it 3-0. However, in the second period, the hosts managed to narrow the gap and gained an advantage, leading 8-4. The third part of the game saw both teams scoring five goals each, resulting in a score of 13-9. From there on, Ortigia dominated the match, extending their lead to 16-9 by the end, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.

Seventh place

Quinto – Posillipo 12-11 (2-1, 4-3, 1-2, 1-2, 4-3)

Quinto: Mijuskovic 3, Ravina 2, Villa 1, Di Somma 1, Gambacciani 1.

Posillipo: Stevenson 2, Abramson 2, Briganti 1, Scalzone 1, Sacciola 1, Aiello 1.

In a thrilling water polo match, Posillipo took an early lead as Briganti scored a goal, putting them ahead 0-1. However, Quinto quickly retaliated with two goals, turning the tide in their favor to end the first quarter at 2-1. The hosts continued their strong performance in the second period, growing their advantage to 6-4. Undeterred, the visitors managed to reduce the difference to 7-6 by the end of the third quarter. In the 30th minute, Posillipo made a comeback, taking the lead 7-8, and had a chance to extend it when Stevenson missed a penalty in the 31st minute for 7-9. With only 10 seconds remaining, Mijuskovic scored for Quinto, equalizing the score to 8-8. The match went into shootouts, where Quinto’s prowess proved superior, securing a 12-11 victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.

Playout

Anzio – Salerno 9-8 (2–1, 1–3, 4–2, 2–2)

Anzio: Goreta 4, Cuccovillo 2, Susak 1, Presciutti 1, Barberini 1.

Salerno: Gallo 3, Esposito 2, Pica 1, Barroso Macarro 1, Luongo 1.

In an interesting match between Anzio and Salerno, the hosts took an early lead with a score of 2-1 at the end of the first quarter. However, Salerno turned the tables in the second period, scoring three goals while conceding only one, resulting in a halftime score of 3-4 in their favor. Undeterred, Anzio mounted a strong comeback in the third period, surpassing opponents and claiming a narrow lead of 7-6. The intensity remained high in the final period as both teams scored two goals each, bringing the final score to 9-8 and securing a 1-0 series lead for Anzio. With the upcoming homestand, Salerno must secure a victory to remain in the prestigious Italian A1 league.