Italian Swimming Federation has confirmed a major change at the helm of the Italy women’s national water polo team (Setterosa), appointing Maurizio Mirarchi as the new head coach of Italy’s women’s national team.
Mirarchi succeeds Carlo Silipo, who led the Azzurre over the past five years, delivering notable results including bronze medals at the 2022 European Championships in Split and the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka. With the Olympic cycle now turning toward Los Angeles 2028, the federation has opted for a fresh direction.
“It’s an honor to receive this appointment,” Mirarchi said following confirmation of his role. “I thank the Italian Swimming Federation for their trust. Now we embark on a new journey. My responsibility is clear: to build a competitive national team that is proud to represent Italy.”
Mirarchi steps into the role after serving as assistant coach of the men’s national team and technical coordinator of the women’s youth sector since 2023. His recent work includes a bronze medal with the women’s university team in Duisburg and a fourth-place finish with the women’s U20 side at the World Championships in Salvador de Bahia — experience that could prove crucial as Italy look to refresh and integrate emerging talent into the senior squad.
His first official assignment will come quickly. Italy will compete in the opening round of the World Cup in Rotterdam (May 1–6), drawn in a challenging group alongside European champions the Netherlands, Greece, and Olympic silver medalists Australia. It presents an immediate benchmark for Mirarchi’s new-look Setterosa.
Experience Across the Italian Game
Born in Petronà (Catanzaro) in 1961, Mirarchi brings decades of coaching experience across both men’s and women’s water polo. His club career includes spells with Bogliasco, Roma, Acquachiara, Latina, Anzio and most recently Pallanuoto Trieste, where he guided the team back into European competition during the 2024/25 season.
In women’s water polo, he previously led Messina to a Scudetto final and two Italian Cup finals, underlining his familiarity with the women’s elite game.
Reset and Responsibility
For the Setterosa, this appointment signals both continuity and renewal. Mirarchi knows the federation structure and youth pathways intimately, yet now carries the responsibility of shaping Italy’s senior identity on the international stage.
With competition intensifying globally — particularly from the Netherlands, Spain, Greece, Australia and the United States — Italy’s challenge will be to convert potential into consistent podium performances.
The next chapter begins now.
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