A renewed group in search of the title that has been missing since 1995, the debut against Turkey on Sunday. Campaign: “It’s the beginning of a cycle, but we are already ready to compete”
One immediate mission, another more distant. The Settebello dives into the European Championship in Belgrade, already looking towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics: they obviously cannot be dress rehearsals, but we will already understand something about the renewed and rejuvenated group to which Sandro Campagna relies: “We are in a phase of change, but those who wear this cap know that we must always aim for the maximum, for the history and tradition that accompany us. We have traced a path, there is a new project and the first tests tell us that we are already ready to fight” the confident thought of the coach. It is played in the dead of winter, while it snows outside: another bizarre choice by European Aquatics (the former Len), considering that this year there is no “overlap” with the World Cup or Games. Kick-off tomorrow, the Azzurri make their debut on Sunday against Turkey and then challenge Slovakia (Tuesday 13th) and Romania (Thursday 15th). Three walks in short. The formula changes: four groups of four teams, at the end the top three of each group form two groups of six teams each, taking with them the points won – together with the goals scored and conceded – and playing against those they didn’t face in the first phase. Then crossed semi-finals for the top two of each group on Saturday 24th (the finals the following day). So the number of games increases and many will be very boring.
test
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Campagna received good indications in the first round of A-1 (Pro Recco in the solitary lead, after having separated Brescia by winning the direct clash) and among the outfield players three debutants in a great demonstration, in addition to the 26-year-old second goalkeeper De Michelis (Olympic Roma): the 25-year-old defender Antonucci (Roma Vis Nova), the 24-year-old left-footed Carnesecchi (Ortigia) and the 22-year-old attacker Balzarini (Brescia). They will have to demonstrate that they deserve the legacy of some dismissed senators – without rushing them – and in recent weeks the results of the friendlies have been comforting: 15-14 on penalties over Hungary in Budapest, 15-12 over Montenegro in Naples, then in the Trebinje tournament in Bosnia the successes over Spain (18-16 on penalties), Serbia (13-11) and Hungary (10-9). Among the brightest Iocchi Gratta, protagonist of the unfortunate expulsion for violent play against Greece at the World Cup in Singapore, which ended in seventh place amidst misunderstandings and turbulences: he still has two days of his suspension to serve. Goalkeeper Del Lungo sees each other again (he regains the captaincy in place of Di Fulvio), Alesiani and Dolce. Unlike last summer, when we were fresh from the long disqualification for the protests in the Paris Olympics, it will be a Settebello that has been able to absorb the new rules, now also active in the championship (25 meter pitch, 28″ of ball possession, 18″ of second possession and superiority) and which involve more shots, more goals, more expulsions, more physical duels especially at two meters, fewer counter escapes. Campagna’s call-ups, which focuses on multi-purpose players, are the result of all this.
the rivals
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Four teams have changed very little and therefore appear consolidated: Spain, Greece, Croatia and Serbia (12 Olympians out of 15) who play in the home bedlam of the monumental Stark Arena, already home to the 2016 European Championships when it was called Kombank Arena. Also used safely for Hungary. Profound renewal for Montenegro, as well as for Italy. Among the outsiders is France. It is certain that in the second phase we will deal with the Greeks and Croatians. RaiSport’s usual valuable coverage on TV. In the 2024 European Championship in Zagreb, Spain won, Croatia won silver and the Azzurri won bronze ahead of Hungary. Our three golds date back to 1947, 1993 and 1995 (the last final in 2010 against Croatia), in the loot also two silvers and seven bronzes. Hungary is the team that has won the most titles, 13. For the World Cup, which has taken the place of the World League since 2023, the qualifiers are scheduled between April and May and the final act from 20 to 25 July in Sydney. As for the Girls’ European Championship, a different venue has been chosen: it will be played on the Portuguese island of Madeira, from 26 January to 5 February. The format follows the men’s one, with 16 teams, but only the top two from each group will advance to the second phase. Setterosa will also have an easy time in the first phase, against Serbia, Croatia and Türkiye.
The 15 called up: Del Lungo, De Michelis (goalkeepers), Balzarini, Del Basso, Dolce, T.Gianazza, Alesiani, Ferrero, E.Di Somma, Cassia, F.Condemi, Iocchi Gratta, Bruni, Antonucci, Carnesecchi.
Group D: 11 January Türkiye-Italy (12.45), Romania-Slovakia (15.15); 13 January Slovakia-Italy (6pm), Romania-Türkiye (8.30pm); 15 January Türkiye-Slovakia (12.45), Romania-Italy (15.15).
The other groups: Malta, France, Montenegro, Hungary (A); Slovenia, Greece, Croatia, Georgia (B); Holland, Israel, Serbia, Spain (C).
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