Italy and Greece opened the Trebinje preparation tournament with dramatic one-goal victories, as Italy outlasted Spain in a penalty shootout (18–16) and Greece overturned France late to claim a 17–16 win.
The three-day event in Trebinje brings together several leading contenders for the upcoming European Water Polo Championships (January 10–25), offering an early test of form just days before the continental showpiece.
Italy 18–16 Spain (after penalties)
The Group A clash between Italy and Spain was a high-quality, back-and-forth contest from start to finish. Spain briefly opened a two-goal cushion midway through the second quarter (6–4), but Italy responded to level the score at 7–7 by halftime.
Momentum continued to swing after the break. Italy edged ahead 12–11 entering the final quarter, only for Spain to surge back in front and hold a 15–14 advantage from the 31st minute. The world and European champions appeared poised for victory until a late turnover handed Italy one final opportunity.
With just eight seconds remaining, the “Settebello” forced an exclusion, and Matteo Iocchi Gratta converted the decisive man-up at the buzzer to force penalties.
In the shootout, Italy’s experience proved decisive. Goalkeeper Marco Del Lungo saved three shots, while Spain’s Eduardo Lorrio managed one stop, as Italy prevailed 18–16.
Spain’s standout performer was Álvaro Granados, who scored eight times in a superb individual display, though it was not enough to secure victory. Italy shared the scoring load, with Edoardo Di Somma, Vincenzo Dolce, and Alessandro Carnesecchi all finishing with three goals apiece.
Greece 17–16 France
In Group B, Greece showed resilience to overturn a France side that led for large spells of the match. After Greece opened the scoring, France responded strongly and carried a two-goal advantage into the second quarter, leading 7–5 at halftime.
The third period was frenetic, producing 13 goals, with Greece repeatedly closing the gap but unable to draw level. France still held a narrow 13–12 lead heading into the final quarter and went ahead again midway through the period through Roman Marion-Vernoux (15–14).
That proved to be France’s final advantage. Greece responded with a decisive 3–0 run, capped by a goal from young centre-forward Semir Spahic to make it 17–15 in the 30th minute. France reduced the deficit in the closing moments, but Greece held on.
Alexandros Papanastasiou and Konstantinos Gkiouvetsis led the scoring for Greece with four goals each, while France’s Alexandre Bouet and Steven Vitrant topped the match charts with five goals apiece.
Second-round matches will be played later today, with Italy facing Serbia and Greece taking on Hungary. The tournament concludes on Monday with games determining the final standings.
Live scores are available via Total Waterpolo Arena.
Trebinje Cup 2026 – Round 1 results
Group A: Italy – Spain 18–16 (3:2, 4:5, 5:4, 3:4; penalties 3:1)
Group B: Greece – France 17–16 (3:3, 2:4, 7:6, 5:3)
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