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Pro Recco secured the 2025 Italian Cup (Coppa Italia) with a dominant 11-5 victory over RN Savona in the final held at Naples’ Piscina Scandone. Pro Recco secured its 18th Italian Cup title with the victory, reclaiming the trophy after finishing as a runner-up last year. This victory emphasizes Pro Recco’s lasting supremacy in Italian water polo and signifies a robust beginning for a new chapter in the club’s history, after recent shifts in ownership and leadership.
Highlights of the Final Match
From the outset, Pro Recco largely controlled the championship match on March 16 in Naples. They took an early lead of 2-0 and finished the first quarter ahead 4-2. By halftime, Savona was trailing 6-4 but fought hard to stay close. The decisive turning point occurred in the third quarter when Pro Recco executed a critical 3-0 run, advancing to a 9-4 lead. Recco widened the lead to six goals in the last quarter (10-4 and 11-5 scores) thanks to a suffocating defense and key saves from goalkeeper Marco Del Lungo. In the last few minutes of play, both teams scored once more, resulting in a final score of 11-5, with Pro Recco emerging victorious. By the end, the win seemed comfortable, as the Italian champions never let go of their early lead.
RN Savona demonstrated resilience in their first Italian Cup final appearance in 12 years, but they missed their captain Andrea Damonte, who was sidelined with an elbow injury. Deprived of one of their main playmakers, Savona found it difficult to penetrate Recco’s “steel defense,” managing to convert just 5 out of 18 power-play opportunities during the game. Although the Ligurian underdogs held firm for two quarters, Recco’s third-period onslaught effectively sealed the game.
Outstanding Player Performances
Pro Recco’s offense was led by several exceptional performances. Francesco Di Fulvio, Giacomo Cannella, Aaron Younger, and Francesco Condemi scored two goals each in the final, making up the majority of Recco’s offense. Their abilities were prominently showcased: Di Fulvio nailed a long-distance shot to end the first quarter, while Cannella netted a goal on a quick counterattack at the beginning of the second. Younger netted the first point of the game with a penalty shot and scored again in the fourth quarter. Condemi also made an impact, taking advantage of man-up situations, which included a goal that concluded the third-quarter run. Goalkeeper Marco Del Lungo was also commended for a number of splendid saves that thwarted Savona’s attempts and bolstered Recco’s defense.
Veteran Balázs Erdélyi was the standout performer for Savona, netting two goals and leading his team in scoring. In the final, fellow veteran Pietro Figlioli and Daniil Merkulov each scored a goal for Savona. Even though they contributed, Savona’s offense was mostly contained. Recco’s tight defense and shot-blocking thwarted many of Savona’s chances, preventing them from maintaining momentum after Recco pulled away.
Importance of the Victory for Pro Recco and Italian Water Polo
Pro Recco’s victory in the 2025 Coppa Italia holds significance on various fronts. It signifies Pro Recco’s comeback to the top after their loss in last year’s final – they had been defeated by Brescia in the 2024 cup, but have now avenged that loss and reclaimed the trophy. This marks the club’s 18th Italian Cup title, extending their record, and it was their 19th consecutive appearance in the final. Head coach Sandro Sukno, who assumed control of the team during the club’s offseason overhaul, marked his first coaching trophy. After the final, Sukno expressed his pride to Rai Sport, congratulating the players and the club. He emphasized how he was excited to “begin a new journey with a beautiful trophy won at the historic Scandone pool. ”
