Italy have named a 15-man squad for the upcoming European Championships in Belgrade following a 15–12 friendly victory over Montenegro, with head coach Alessandro Campagna continuing a clear process of renewal within the national team.
As previously confirmed, Campagna has overseen a significant rejuvenation of the squad, with six experienced players who featured at the 2025 World Championships not included in the preparations for the continental tournament. The changes are balanced by the return of experience in goal, as Marco Del Lungo has been recalled after a one-year absence from the national setup.
Club representation within the squad is heavily weighted towards AN Brescia, who supply six of the selected 15 players. That number could yet increase, as uncertainty surrounds the goalkeeping situation. Campagna initially named Del Lungo alongside Francesco De Michelis, but De Michelis has fallen ill. Should he fail to recover in time, Tommaso Baggi Necchi (Brescia) will be called up as a replacement, according to the Italian Swimming Federation.
The squad features just one player currently based abroad, with Edoardo Di Somma selected from Ferencváros. At domestic level, Pro Recco are represented by three players.
Before travelling to Belgrade, Italy will take part in a high-level preparatory tournament in Trebinje from January 3–6. In the group stage, the Azzurri will face Serbia and Spain, before meeting one of Hungary, Greece or France on the final day.
Italy squad for the European Championships
Goalkeepers:
Marco Del Lungo (Savona), Francesco De Michelis (Olympic Roma)
Field players:
Alessandro Balzarini, Mario Del Basso, Vincenzo Dolce, Tommaso Gianazza, Jacopo Alesiani, Filippo Ferrero (all Brescia)
Edoardo Di Somma (Ferencváros)
Francesco Cassia, Francesco Condemi, Matteo Iocchi Gratta (all Pro Recco)
Lorenzo Bruni (Savona)
Mattia Antonucci (Roma Vis Nova)
Alessandro Carnesecchi (Ortigia)
Reserve:
Tommaso Baggi Necchi (Brescia)
At the European Water Polo Championships, Italy will compete in Group C during the first phase of the tournament, alongside Romania, Slovakia and Türkiye, as Campagna’s refreshed “Settebello” begin their European campaign.
European Championships 2026 Homepage
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