Four of the six opening games in the 2025/26 Italian Men’s Water Polo League were one-sided affairs, as last season’s top contenders — Pro Recco, Brescia, and Savona — began the new campaign with emphatic victories. The biggest surprise of the round came from Iren Genova Quinto, who recorded a double-digit win away from home.

In Syracuse, Genova Quinto delivered a statement performance, defeating Ortigia 15–5. Despite Ortigia’s efforts to rebuild their squad over the summer, they struggled to keep pace. Quinto controlled the match from the first whistle, with Japanese goalkeeper Nishimura standing out between the posts and Miraldi leading the attack with five goals.

Defending champions Pro Recco also began in style, cruising to a 22–8 away win against newly promoted Salerno. Australian newcomer Luke Pavillard impressed on his debut, netting five times, while captain Francesco Di Fulvio added four.

Brescia were equally commanding in their 18–8 victory over Canottieri Napoli, another side making their return to Serie A1. Tommaso Gianazza scored four goals for Brescia, matched by Confuorto, who found the net four times for Canottieri.

In Savona, young Hungarian talent Oliver Leinweber stole the show with an incredible eight-goal debut, helping his team to a 22–4 demolition of Florentia.

In the Italian capital, both visiting sides came out on top. Telimar Palermo held off Roma Vis Nova 14–12 after building a 9–6 halftime lead. The Sicilians managed their advantage well, led by Jake Muscat (4 goals) and Uros Vucurovic (3).

Meanwhile, Posillipo earned a 13–10 victory over Academy Olympic Roma, starting strong with a 4–1 opening period and maintaining control throughout. Returnee Renzuto Iodice and Cuccovillo both scored hat-tricks for the Neapolitan club.

The match between Trieste and De Akker Bologna was postponed to October 8.

2025/26 Italian League – Round 1 Results

• Ortigia – Iren Genova Quinto 5–15 (0:3, 3:3, 2:5, 0:5)
• Brescia – Canottieri Napoli 18–8 (3:2, 5:1, 5:3, 5:2)
• Salerno – Pro Recco 8–22 (3:8, 2:5, 1:7, 2:2)
• Savona – Florentia 22–4 (5:1, 6:2, 4:0, 7:1)
• Olympic Roma – Posillipo 10–13 (2:5, 1:1, 5:4, 2:3)
• Roma Vis Nova – Telimar 12–14 (2:3, 4:6, 3:2, 3:3)

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