Italy defeated the United States 13-10 in Stockton on Friday evening, levelling the three-match series ahead of Sunday’s finale at Stanford University.
Max Irving and Marko Vavic led the American attack with three goals each, while Alex Obert scored in the final appearance of his international career. Goalkeepers Bernardo Herzer and Adrian Weinberg combined for eight saves for Team USA.
The match remained goalless for more than five minutes before Italy opened the scoring. Vavic responded before the end of the first quarter, leaving the teams level at 1-1.
Italy regained the lead early in the second period, but Dominic Brown converted after an assist from Jack Larsen to make it 2-2. The visitors then scored three unanswered goals to establish control.
With 18 seconds remaining before half-time, Vavic earned a penalty and head coach Dejan Udovicic handed Obert the opportunity to score the final goal of his decorated international career. The Olympic bronze medallist converted with a skip shot, reducing the deficit to 5-3.
Italy extended their advantage at the beginning of the third quarter, although the United States fought back through Nicolas Saveljic, Irving and Vavic. Goals from Chase Dodd and Vavic eventually brought the hosts level at 8-8, but Italy struck in the closing seconds to lead by one entering the final period.
The Italians scored twice at the start of the fourth quarter and maintained their advantage despite two further goals from Irving, including a penalty that completed his hat-trick.
Italy’s Marco Iocchi Gratta finished as the match’s leading scorer with four goals, while goalkeeper Gianmarco Nicosia recorded 11 saves.
The series concludes on Sunday at Stanford’s Avery Aquatic Center, where the United States will also honour retiring Olympic bronze medallist Drew Holland.
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