The rejuvenated Italians accomplished a feat. They defeated the favored Croatia 13:10 (3:3, 2:0, 2:4, 6:3). In this way, they secured a place in the semifinals and a duel with Serbia on Friday at 8:30 PM.
The water polo players of the Campania coach were in the lead all the time. At the beginning of the second half, they were leading 6:3, but Croatia managed to equalize. In the last eight minutes, the Italians simply overran the tired Croatians. With the score 9:8 for Italy, the Croatians equalized, but it was clear that the referees had made a mistake in assessing the previous Italian attack. The Croatian goal was disallowed, Ferrero scored from the penalty spot for 10:8. The “azure” kept the advantage and in the end, when Tucak played without a goalkeeper, they scored for 13:10.
Italy had 24 and Croatia 18 exclusions, Italy hit three of four five-pointers, Croatia one. Ferrero was the most effective with four goals for the Italians, while Fatović and Burić scored three goals each for the Croats.
The Croats will play against Spain for fifth place, a match between the finalists from Zagreb two years ago. Spain was better then.
THURSDAY
12.45 Netherlands – Turkey (for 11th place)
15.15 France – Georgia
18 Montenegro – Romania (for seventh place)
20.30 Spain – Croatia (for fifth place)
FRIDAY
17 Hungary – Greece (semi-finals)
20.30 Serbia – Italy (semi-finals)
