2026 Italian League, Round 22 saw another entertaining chapter in Savona’s recent run of high-scoring clashes, as Pro Recco defeated Savona 19:16 in a fiery derby encounter.
Fresh from their goal-fest against Trieste last round, Savona were again involved in a shootout, but league leaders Pro Recco proved too strong to extend their winning streak and maintain control at the top of Serie A1.
Recco led 3:2 after the first quarter of a fast-paced and physical opening period, but the match exploded into life in the second. Savona found rhythm in attack and surged into a 9:8 lead, only for Giacomo Cannella to equalise at 9:9 in the final minute before half-time.
The visitors struck early in the third to move 11:9 ahead, yet Savona again responded immediately to level at 11:11. Recco’s greater quality eventually told, as they rebuilt a two-goal cushion and entered the final quarter leading 14:12.
With the hosts still pushing, standout performer Álvaro Granados delivered the decisive moment, scoring brilliantly to make it 18:14 with 2:40 remaining. Savona trimmed the gap late on, before Francesco Di Fulvio struck four seconds from time to seal the 19:16 final score.
Granados finished with seven goals in a man-of-the-match display, while Di Fulvio added three. Savona were led by Oliver Leinweber and Marco Guidi, who both scored four times.
Brescia cruise, Trieste win late, Quinto shock Posillipo
Second-placed Brescia kept the pressure on the leaders with a ruthless 17:4 demolition of Olympic Roma. Brescia raced into a 10:0 lead early in the third quarter and never looked back.
Telimar produced one of the surprises of the round, beating sixth-placed De Akker 21:14. Saveljic and Lo Dico both scored four goals, while Balázs Erdélyi netted six in defeat.
The most dramatic match came in Genoa, where Iren Genova Quinto defeated Posillipo 13:11 after a penalty shootout following a 9:9 draw in regulation.
Trieste also had to work hard for their points, edging Ortigia 1928 12:11 in Syracuse thanks to four goals from Niko Cubranic.
Round 22 Results
- Savona 16-19 Pro Recco
- Florentia 7-11 Canottieri
- De Akker 14-21 Telimar
- Ortigia 11-12 Trieste
- Iren Genova Quinto 13-11 Posillipo (PSO)
- Olympic Roma 4-17 Brescia
- Roma Vis Nova 24-14 Salerno
Top of the Table
- Pro Recco – 66 pts
- Brescia – 63 pts
- Savona – 54 pts
- Posillipo – 39 pts
- Trieste – 36 pts
Read more about Italian water polo
Visit the WP360 Shop!
Follow Waterpolo 360 on Facebook, Instagram and X