AN Brescia secured a crucial 12-10 victory against Pro Recco in the opening game of the 106th Italian League Finals, putting them just one win away from their third national title.

The clash marks the 14th time these two teams have met in the Serie A1 Finals. Brescia, however, has previously claimed the title only twice—in 2003 and 2021.

Game Summary

Brescia took control early when Tommaso Gianazza opened the scoring with a power-play goal in the 4th minute. Pro Recco equalized just before the first-quarter break with Francesco Condemi converting a penalty. After a cautious opening period, Brescia surged ahead in the second quarter, building a commanding 6-3 halftime lead thanks to key goals from Dolce, Guerrato, and Gianazza.

In the third period, Pro Recco repeatedly narrowed the deficit to two goals—at 4-6, 5-7, and 6-8—but each time Brescia responded swiftly to regain their three-goal advantage. However, Recco managed a vital goal seconds before the third quarter’s end, with Francesco Di Fulvio scoring on a 6-on-5 opportunity to close the gap to 9-7.

Pro Recco intensified pressure in the final quarter, quickly making it 9-8 through Aaron Younger’s precise strike. But Brescia responded emphatically, scoring three unanswered goals within just two and a half minutes. Edoardo Balzarini netted two critical back-to-back goals, and Gianazza added another, stretching the lead to 12-8.

Despite late goals by Gonzalo Echenique and further pressure from Recco, Brescia held firm, finishing the match 12-10. Edoardo Balzarini (Brescia) and Aaron Younger (Recco) were standout performers, each scoring four goals.

Next Match

Brescia now leads the best-of-three series 1-0, with the second match scheduled for May 16 at Pro Recco’s home pool.

Match Details

Final (Game 1)
Brescia 12 – 10 Pro Recco (1:1, 5:2, 3:4, 3:3)
Scorers:
Brescia: Balzarini 4, Guerrato 2, Gianazza 2, Ferrero 2, Dolce 2
Pro Recco: Younger 4, Condemi 2, Di Fulvio 1, Hallock 1, Echenique 1, Havenkampf 1

3rd-Place Playoffs (Game 1)
Savona 15 – 9 Trieste (5:1, 4:3, 1:3, 5:2)

Read more about Italian water polo

Follow Waterpolo 360 on Facebook, Instagram and X