Italy rounded off their three-match series against the United States with a 14-10 victory at Stanford’s Avery Aquatic Center, on an afternoon that also marked the end of Drew Holland’s international career.
The Olympic bronze medallist made his final appearance for Team USA and was honoured during a halftime retirement ceremony, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished spell with the national team.
In the pool, Italy made the stronger start and raced into a 2-0 lead inside the opening two minutes. Max Irving responded for the hosts on the power play, before Chase Dodd reduced the deficit again later in the quarter. Italy, however, added another goal to lead 4-2 after the opening eight minutes.
The United States fought back in the second period. Ryan Ohl converted with the extra player before Irving produced a steal and released Marko Vavic on the counterattack, with Vavic finishing to level the contest.
Italy briefly regained the advantage, but Irving struck again to make it 5-5. The visitors then converted two penalties in quick succession, although Peter Castillo’s goal kept the Americans within one at halftime, trailing 7-6.
Dodd inspired another USA response after the break. Italy extended its lead early in the third quarter, but the American attacker scored twice from Ben Liechty assists to complete his hat-trick and bring the hosts level at 8-8.
Ohl later matched another Italian power-play goal, but Italy finished the quarter strongly, scoring twice without reply to carry an 11-9 advantage into the final period.
The visitors finally pulled clear in the fourth quarter, converting two early power plays before adding another goal with under two minutes remaining. Ohl completed his own hat-trick late on, but Italy had already done enough to secure the 14-10 victory.
Dodd and Ohl led the United States with three goals each, while Irving scored twice. Bernardo Herzer and Adrian Weinberg combined for 10 saves.
Francesco Condemi top-scored for Italy with three goals, while Matteo Iocchi Gratta, Francesco Ferrero and Andrea Carnesecchi each scored twice.
The United States converted six of their 16 power-play opportunities but were not awarded a penalty. Italy finished four from 10 with the extra player and converted four of their five penalty attempts.
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