Italy have won the inaugural international para water polo tournament in Potenza, defeating Spain 13–11 in a closely contested final on Sunday, 18 October, in another significant step forward for the development of the sport.
The tournament, held at the Piscina Comunale M. Riviello in southern Italy, brought together athletes from Italy, Spain and a combined Croatian-Italian selection for two days of international competition.
Organised with the involvement of the Italian Paralympic Swimming Federation (FINP), the event marked the first international tournament between national selections in para water polo, highlighting the growing efforts to establish the discipline on a wider international stage.
Italy fight back to defeat Spain in final
Italy entered Sunday’s final after comfortably defeating the combined Croatian-Italian selection 18–3 in their opening match.
Spain had also impressed, securing a 17–6 victory against the same opposition to set up a decisive meeting between the tournament’s two leading teams.
The final proved significantly more competitive.
Spain made the stronger start, taking advantage of a nervous opening from the hosts to establish an early lead.
However, Italy gradually recovered, showing patience and composure to overturn the deficit and eventually secure a 13–11 victory.
Nicolò Gobbetti played an important role in the Italian comeback, scoring five goals against Spain.
The result secured the inaugural international title for Italy, although Spain’s competitive performance also demonstrated the progress being made by the Spanish national programme.
Figuccio praises Italy’s young players and international progress
Italian coach Salvatore Figuccio expressed his satisfaction with both the victory and the wider significance of the tournament.
Figuccio acknowledged that Italy had struggled initially against Spain, but praised his team’s ability to regain control and remain composed under pressure.
He also emphasised the importance of bringing together players from different domestic clubs, particularly given the limited opportunities for the national team to train as a complete squad.
The coach highlighted the contributions of experienced players Roberto Pasquini, Luigi Paola and Marco Aliberti, alongside emerging talents Gobbetti and Cristian Granchelli.
Figuccio also welcomed the increasing international cooperation between federations, describing the participation of other nations as an encouraging sign for the future of para water polo.
A significant step towards international recognition
Beyond the results, the tournament represented an important milestone for a discipline seeking to expand its international presence.
Para water polo for athletes with physical disabilities has developed steadily in Italy, where an organised domestic championship is already established.
Spain has also made progress, particularly in Catalonia, where a four-club league provides competitive opportunities for athletes.
The Spanish national selection included 15 athletes with physical disabilities, among them Paralympic swimming medallists Jesús Collado and José Antonio Marí.
Collado won six Paralympic swimming medals across three editions of the Games, while Marí earned bronze medals at London 2012 and Paris 2024.
Although Hungary had originally been expected to participate in Potenza, the Hungarian delegation was ultimately unable to travel. A combined Croatian-Italian selection took its place.
The tournament follows increasing cooperation between Italy and Spain, including an agreement signed earlier this year aimed at developing international para water polo.
For those involved, the ambition extends beyond organising occasional tournaments. Establishing regular international competition, developing national programmes and securing wider recognition are among the priorities as the sport continues to grow.
While Italy celebrated a historic victory in Potenza, the greatest success of the weekend may ultimately prove to be the progress made towards a more established international future for para water polo.
International Para Water Polo Tournament – Results
Potenza, Italy | 17–18 October 2026
- Italy 18–3 Croatia-Italy Selection
- Spain 17–6 Croatia-Italy Selection
- Italy 13–11 Spain
Tournament winners: Italy
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