Spain, Italy and the United States will participate in a three-nation friendly series in Long Beach, California, at the end of the month.
To warm up for next year’s World Cup and World Championships, the current World Champions have scheduled two exhibition games against the current European Champions and the Setterosa.
The matches will take place at the Monte Nitzkowski Aquatic Centre on the Long Beach City College campus between the 18th-21st December.
The United States has an impressive record against Spain and the Setterosa in 2022. Team USA defeated Spain 13-8 and Italy 14-6 in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, at the World Championships in Budapest. Adam Krikorian’s squad ultimately defeated the Hungarians 9-7 to win the gold medal.
A youthful Team USA defeated Italy 11-10 in the group stage of the World League Super Finals last month, a tournament ultimately won by Spain. At Tenerife, the United States had to settle for the bronze medal, while Italy placed fifth.
The United States frequently enjoys hosting international water polo exhibitions. Most recently, they hosted the Hungarian and Russian national teams in 2021, prior to the World League and the Olympic Games.
Only Spain have released their travelling roster yet, although the United States have confirmed that Rachel Fattal, Ashleigh Johnson and Amanda Longan will lead the line for the Olympic Champions.
Fixtures
United States vs Italy, December 18, 1:00 am CET
United States vs Spain, December 19, 3:00 am CET
United States vs Italy, December 20 3:00 am CET
United States vs Spain, December 21, 22:00 pm CET
Spain Roster for USA friendlies
Martina Terre, Laura Ester, Paula Camus, Paula Crespi, Anni Espar, Laura Ester, Judith Forca, Maica Garcia, Paula Leiton, Cristina Nogue, Bea Ortiz, Pili Pena, Nona Perez, Ariadna Ruiz, Elena Ruiz
Italy Roster for USA friendlies
Roberta Bianconi, Lucrezia Cergol, Silvia Avegno, Caterina Banchelli, Chiara Tabani, Giuditta Galardi, Agnese Cocchiere, Sofia Giustini, Domitilla Picozzi, Veronica Gant, Claudia Marletta, Giulia Viacava, Dafne Bettini, Aurora Condorelli
United States Roster for friendlies
Ashleigh Johnson, Amanda Longan, Emalia Eichelberger, Tara Prentice, Ava Johnson, Jovana Sekulic, Jordan Raney, Denise Mammolito, Bayley Weber, Ella Woodhead, Christina Hicks, Rachel Gazzaniga, Rachel Fattal, Ryann Neushul, Jewel Roemer, Emily Ausmus, Jenna Flynn, Emma Lineback, Julia Bonaguidi.
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