Alessandro Campagna’s Settebello begins the final stage of preparations for the World Cup Super Final, with training camps in the United States before travelling to Australia later this month. 

Italy’s men’s national waterpolo team is entering a crucial phase of its preparation for the World Cup Super Final, scheduled to take place in Sydney, Australia, from July 22 to 26. After gathering in Ostia, the Settebello will continue its journey through San Francisco and Los Angeles before arriving in Australia for the season’s next major international challenge. 

The squad, led by head coach Alessandro Campagna, has been training at the Federal Aquatic Centre in Ostia, where the team also held joint sessions with Georgia. Players from Pro Recco Waterpolo and AN Brescia Team recently joined the group following their participation in the Italian championship final, allowing Campagna to work with a more complete roster ahead of departure.

The Italian delegation is set to leave for the United States on July 4, with San Francisco serving as the first stop. There, Italy will hold a joint training camp with the United States national team and play three friendly matches on July 8, 10 and 12. The team will then move to Los Angeles on July 13 for a second training period before departing for Sydney on July 16. 

Campagna acknowledged that Italy faces a shorter preparation period than many of its rivals due to the timing of the domestic league finals. Despite that challenge, the coach remains confident in the progress shown by his players following a positive European Championship campaign and a strong performance in the World Cup preliminary tournament in Alexandroupolis.

“We expect another step forward from the team,” Campagna said. He added that the objective is not only to continue improving individually and collectively, but also to develop the mentality required to compete for medals at major international events. The coach also highlighted the importance of building team unity during the extended trip across three continents.

Campagna confirmed that experienced players Luca Di Somma and Edoardo Bruni have been left out of the squad and granted additional rest, while younger athletes will have opportunities to gain valuable experience during the summer programme, which also includes the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. 

Italy’s first match at the World Cup Super Final will be a quarterfinal against Georgia on July 23. 

Italy Squad Travelling to the United States

Players

• Jacopo Alesiani
• Alessandro Balzarini
• Mario Del Basso
• Vincenzo Dolce
• Filippo Ferrero
• Tommaso Gianazza
• Stefano Guerrato
• Eduardo Campopiano
• Alessandro Carnesecchi
• Giacomo Cannella
• Francesco Cassia
• Francesco Condemi
• Matteo Iocchi Gratta
• Andrea Mladossich
• Andrea Patchaliev
• Gianmarco Nicosia
• Marco Del Lungo 

The coming weeks will provide an important test for a renewed Italian side seeking to build momentum ahead of Sydney and continue its development under the guidance of Alessandro Campagna.