USA vs. Italy Men's Olympic Preview
USA vs Italy (M)
The parity thus far in the group stages of this men’s Olympic competition has provided fans with close and exciting games and a few surprises as well, but it has also raised the stakes of each game as teams try to maintain their spot in the group or collect some much needed points to push them through to the quarterfinals. The game in the next round that could have the greatest implications for the final standing of Group A is the contest between the United States and Italy. The United States has collected 2 wins and 4 points in their first two games and lead Group A; however, the next three games against Italy, Greece and Hungary will certainly test the resolve of this USA squad as well as their place at the head of the group. While Italy easily handled South Africa in their first game for 2 points, Greece proved to be a tougher opponent in their second game. The Italians were able to fight back in that match and escape with a draw and 1 point to stay competitive in the group, but a win against the USA is certainly what is expected by this Italian team with golden aspirations.
The United States is 1-2 against the Italians in 2020-21. The two losses--a 2 goal battle and a 7 goal blowout--both occurred during a training trip in Italy. The win came at the end of June when the USA bested Italy 10-8 to advance to the gold medal game of the World League Super Final; however, it is difficult to read too much into that result as the game was greatly impacted when an Italian player committed a flagrant misconduct resulting in the United States playing the majority of the third quarter up a man.
The scoring for the US has been a team affair, but Ben Hallock in the center position and Alex Bowen on the perimeter have each contributed 7 goals over the first two games to lead the attack for the young US squad. The United States has no shortage of dynamic scorers on the roster. Look for Luca Cupido or Hannes Daube to contribute in this game as both are due for a scoring burst.
Italy is coached by water polo luminary and ISHOF member, Alessandro Campagna. Campagna orchestrates a balanced and structured attack that combines explosive center play and potent perimeter scoring. Look for veterans Di Fluvio and Figlioli as well as newcomer Luongo on the perimeter and opportunistic counter attacking. The Italian centers (Bodegas, Aicardi) are sure to cause foul trouble for the Americans and the Italians generally have a disciplined and effective extra man attack to rely on. The Italian efficiency on the extra man (or the ability of the USA to defend down a man) may sway the outcome of this contest.
Although they had a disappointing result at the recent World League Super Final, Italy are the reigning World Champions and no stranger to the podium at international events. Italy has won 8 Olympic water polo medals, the most recent a bronze in Rio. This veteran Italian squad returns 7 players from that bronze medal team who are looking to bring home another medal
American fans may be aware that Luca Cupido competed for Italy at the youth level before joining the US men's team, and this Italian team features some similar players. Born in Brazil, Pietro Figlioli moved to Australia at 3 and competed for the Australian national team in Athens and Beijing before becoming an Italian citizen in 2009. Likewise, Michael Bodegas competed for France until 2014 when he joined the Italian team. Lastly, Gonzalo Echenique is originally from Argentina and represented that country until 2011 then competed for Spain in 2016 before settling into the Italian national team in 2017.
Ben Hallock won a LEN Championship with Italian club Pro Recco this season, and he will be facing off against many familiar faces from Italy’s Serie A1 in this game. 8 of the Italian players are his teammates at Pro Recco and 3 of the others represent rival AN Brescia.