The clash between Posillipo and Roma Vis Nova was the highlight of the 18th round of the Italian Championship, with both teams vying for fourth place. Posillipo emerged victorious with a 10:8 win, keeping their playoff semifinal hopes alive and aiding Trieste’s return to fourth place.
Roma started strong, leading 3:1 after the first quarter. However, Posillipo responded, leveling the score at 3:3 midway through the second period. Viskovic put Roma back ahead with a power-play goal, but Brguljan equalized at 4:4 just before halftime via a penalty shot. The third quarter saw a back-and-forth exchange of goals, with Posillipo taking the lead three times and Roma responding twice. Bertoli’s late goal for 7:6 gave the hosts a crucial advantage, which they maintained in the final period. Roma missed a penalty shot early in the fourth, and Radulovic capitalized by extending Posillipo’s lead to 8:6. The Naples-based team held onto a two-goal cushion until the end. Bertoli and Brguljan led Posillipo with three goals each, while Ciotti, Viskovic, and Antonucci each netted twice for Roma.
Both Roma Vis Nova and Posillipo now sit on 31 points, but Roma holds the advantage due to their earlier three-goal win over Posillipo. However, both teams remain within striking distance of fourth-placed Trieste, trailing by just three points.
Trieste Reclaims Fourth Spot
Trieste had temporarily dropped to fifth after their midweek loss to Roma Vis Nova but reclaimed fourth place after a commanding 18:8 victory over Onda Forte. Vuk Draskovic was in top form, netting six goals as Trieste dominated early, leading 17:3 before easing off in the final period. Onda Forte suffered a setback with Nikola Moskov’s exclusion for a violent foul, though Trieste had already established themselves as clear favorites.
Pro Recco and Brescia Dominate
The league’s powerhouses, Pro Recco and Brescia, delivered emphatic wins against Sicilian clubs. Pro Recco dismantled Telimar 20:7, with Francesco Di Fulvio and Matteo Iocchi Gratta scoring four goals each. Brescia cruised past Catania with a 21:9 away victory, led by Del Basso’s four-goal performance.
Savona Overcomes Slow Start
Third-placed Savona overcame an early setback against Ortigia. After a scoreless first quarter, they took control, leading 9:3 heading into the final period before sealing a 10:7 victory. Figlioli, Occhione, and Bruni each contributed three goals for Savona.
De Akker’s Playoff Hopes Fading
De Akker suffered a significant blow in their playoff pursuit after a 10:9 home defeat to Florentia. Despite leading 5:2 in the second quarter, De Akker struggled to maintain their advantage. Florentia turned the tide in the fourth quarter, moving ahead 10:8 before De Akker managed only a late consolation goal.
2024/25 Italian League, Round 18 Results
- Posillipo – Roma Vis Nova 10:8 (1:3, 3:1, 3:2, 3:2)
- Savona – Ortigia 10:7 (0:1, 4:2, 5:0, 1:4)
- Pro Recco – Telimar 20:7 (5:2, 4:3, 7:0, 4:2)
- Catania – Brescia 9:21 (5:6, 0:6, 2:6, 2:3)
- Trieste – Onda Forte 18:8 (4:2, 6:1, 4:0, 4:5)
- De Akker – Florentia 9:10 (4:2, 3:4, 1:3, 1:1)
- Iren Genova Quinto – Olympic Roma 10:9 (1:2, 2:3, 4:1, 3:3)
Standings After Round 18
- Pro Recco – 18 – 52pts
- Brescia – 18 – 52pts
- Savona – 18 – 45pts
- Trieste – 18 – 34pts
- Roma Vis Nova – 18 – 31pts
- Posillipo – 18 – 31pts
- De Akker – 18 – 28pts
- Ortigia – 18 – 23pts
- Florentia – 18 – 18pts
- Telimar – 18 – 17pts
- Quinto – 18 – 16pts
- Olympic Roma – 18 – 11pts
- Onda Forte – 18 – 5pts
- Catania – 18 – 4pts