The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the 41st edition of Italy’s Serie A1 Women’s Water Polo Championship as Ekipe Orizzonte and SIS Roma emerge victorious from two fiercely contested semi-final series. For the third time in history, these two powerhouses will battle for the scudetto—with high stakes, personal history, and contrasting legacies adding fuel to what promises to be an explosive final.
Ekipe Orizzonte: The Reigning Queens Chase Title No. 25
Led by head coach Martina Miceli and iconic player-president Tania Di Mario, Ekipe Orizzonte sealed their place in the final with a commanding 2-0 series win over Pallanuoto Trieste. After an 11-7 win at home in Game 1, they repeated the feat in Trieste, again winning 11-7.
Catania’s third-quarter burst proved decisive. A flurry of goals from Andrews, Halligan, and Jutte turned a tight contest into a comfortable lead, stretching the score to 10-4. In the final quarter, Gagliardi’s beduina goal sealed the match and booked Ekipe’s place in their sixth consecutive final.
Ekipe Orizzonte, 24-time Italian champions and current title holders, are now one step away from extending their legacy with a historic 25th title.
SIS Roma: One Step from History
On the other side, SIS Roma edged past Rapallo Pallanuoto in a dramatic 14-13 away win, repeating their Game 1 victory (14-11). It was a match full of tension and twists, decided in the dying seconds thanks to Domitilla Picozzi Ranalli’s winning goal and a sensational display from goalkeeper Sesena, who saved three penalties—including two from Rapallo star Roberta Bianconi.
Despite trailing for most of the match, SIS Roma kept their composure. Russian sharpshooter Zaplatina was key with four goals, while Centanni’s brace pulled Roma level late in the final quarter. Ranalli’s late conversion sealed the deal, sending the Capitoline club to their third-ever final.
With the Coppa Italia already in the trophy cabinet this season (a 10-7 win over Ekipe), SIS Roma are dreaming big: their first-ever national title is now within reach.
Final Schedule (Live on RaiSport HD)
- Game 1: Saturday 24 May, 18:30 – L’Ekipe Orizzonte vs SIS Roma (Catania)
- Game 2: Tuesday 27 May, 18:30 – SIS Roma vs L’Ekipe Orizzonte (Ostia)
- Game 3 (if needed): Saturday 31 May, 18:30 – L’Ekipe Orizzonte vs SIS Roma (Catania)
Commentary by Dario Di Gennaro, with technical analysis from Francesco Postiglione.
History Between the Finalists
This is the third final meeting between Ekipe Orizzonte and SIS Roma:
- 2018/19: Ekipe won 6-3 in the final of the Final Six.
- 2022/23: Ekipe took the best-of-five series 3-1.
- 2024/25: TBD – but SIS Roma enter with momentum and belief.
Relegation Confirmed: Ancona and Lazio Drop to Serie A2
While the finalists look ahead, heartbreak hit two sides at the other end of the table:
- Vela Nuoto Ancona fell 8-6 (5-5 after regulation) to Smile Cosenza in a dramatic shootout. Cosenza keeper Nigro was the hero, saving three penalties and keeping her team in Serie A1.
- Lazio Nuoto squandered an 8-5 fourth-quarter lead to lose 9-8 against Brizz Nuoto, with Meijer leading the Sicilian comeback with four goals, including the winner with 42 seconds left.
Up Next: Third Place and Final Showdowns
While Ekipe and Roma duel for the crown, Rapallo and Trieste will compete for third place:
- Game 1: Saturday 24 May – Rapallo vs Trieste
- Game 2: Wednesday 28 May – Trieste vs Rapallo
- Game 3 (if needed): Friday 30 May – Rapallo vs Trieste
Playoff Recap: Key Results
Quarterfinals
- Rapallo dominated Bogliasco in both legs (20-8, 21-7)
- Trieste upset Padova in a tight series (8-6, 12-10)
Semifinals
- Ekipe Orizzonte beat Trieste twice (11-7, 11-7)
- SIS Roma edged Rapallo (14-11, 14-13)