The Italian Women’s water Polo Team Prepares for a New Era
The Italian women’s national water polo team, known as the Setterosa, is set to kick off the year with the World Cup, offering a crucial opportunity to test their mettle against the world’s best under new regulations introduced by World Aquatics.
From January 14th to 19th, Alessandropoli, Greece will host the Division I tournament, where the Setterosa, led by head coach Carlo Silipo, will face off against formidable opponents.Drawn into Group B, Italy will compete against the Netherlands, Australia, and Israel. Group A features powerhouses Spain,the United States,Greece,and Hungary. The top six teams from this stage will advance to the super Final, scheduled for April 11th to 13th at a venue yet to be determined.This tournament follows the Division II World cup qualifiers held in Istanbul, Turkey, from December 14th to 17th.China and Japan secured promotion to the Division I through their impressive performances.The Final Eight will follow a knockout format,starting with the quarterfinals.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the team,” stated Coach Silipo. “Facing top-ranked teams from around the world right away will be invaluable for shaping our identity. We’ll be going head-to-head with Olympic silver medalists Australia and bronze medalists the Netherlands, along with a rapidly improving Israeli team. While Israel has made significant strides, I believe they are still within our reach despite their ongoing rejuvenation.”
Silipo expressed confidence in the team’s potential after a productive training camp held at the Ostia Federal Center from December 8th to 13th. “This is a group with immense growth potential,” he emphasized. “We’re committed to preparing thoroughly for this tournament, aiming to secure a spot in the Super Final. This team thrives on high-stakes competition, so the more tournaments we participate in, the faster we’ll progress.”
Regarding the new rules, Silipo noted, “I’ve observed matches from the first World Cup stage and discussed them with international referee Alessia Ferrari, who officiated some of those games.The new regulations will undoubtedly lead to a faster-paced game, as the second action will be limited to 15 seconds. This will require us to execute shots more quickly and increase horizontal swimming. We can expect to see more shots attempted.”
While acknowledging the significant impact of the new rules on men’s water polo, Silipo believes the Setterosa will adapt to the faster pace and the ability to field seven field players. “We need to play games, confront different styles, and delve deeper into these new rules,” he said. “We’re already planning our summer season.”
In planning for the World Cup, the team will engage in a joint training camp with Spain at the Naples Federal Center from January 2nd to 6th, followed by further training at the ostia Federal Center from January 6th to 12th.
The roster for the World Cup includes:
Sofia Giustini (Sabadell)
Lucrezia Lys Cergol
Sara Cordovani
Veronica Gant
Emma De March (Pallanuoto Trieste)
Olimpia Sesena
Agnese Cocchiere
Lavinia Papi
Chiara Ranalli (SIS Roma)
Giuseppina Aurora Condorelli
Dafne Bettini
Morena Leone (L’Ekipe Orizzonte)
paola Di Maria
Helga Maria Santapaola (Rapallo Pallanuoto)
Beatrice Cassarà (Plebiscito Padova)
Vittoria Sbruzzi (Brizz Nuoto)
Bianca Maria Rosta (AGN Energia Bogliasco 1951)
Vittoria Santoro (Cosenza Pallanuoto)
The coaching staff comprises:
Head Coach: Carlo Silipo
Assistant Coaches: Cosimino Di Cecca and Marco Manzetti
Team Manager: Elena Gigli
Athletic Trainer: Massimiliano Fabrucci
Doctors: Silvia giangrandi, Pietro Jansiti, and Beatrice berti
Physiotherapists: Nicoletta Giuffrida and Federica Maria Ancidei
Video Analyst: Marco Russo
Nutritionist: Giovanni De Francesco
The World Cup schedule for Division I is as follows:
January 14th – 19th, alessandropoli
DAY 1
3:00 PM: USA vs. ESP
5:00 PM: ISR vs. ITA
7:00 PM: GRE vs. HUN
9:00 PM: NED vs. AUS
DAY 2
3:00 PM: HUN vs. USA
5:00 PM: ITA vs. NED
7:00 PM: ESP vs. GRE
9:00 PM: AUS vs. ISR
DAY 3
3:00 PM: ESP vs. HUN
5:00 PM: NED vs. ISR
7:00 PM: GRE vs. USA
9:00 PM: ITA vs. AUS
DAY 4
3:00 PM: 3rd A vs. 4th B
5:00 PM: 3rd B vs. 4th A
7:00 PM: 1st A vs. 2nd B
9:00 PM: 1st B vs. 2nd A
DAY 5
3:00 PM: 4th A vs. 4th B
5:00 PM: 3rd A vs. 3rd B
7:00 PM: 2nd A vs. 2nd B
9:00 PM: 1st A vs. 1st B
DAY 6
3:00 PM: 3rd A vs. 4th A
5:00 PM: 3rd B vs. 4th B
7:00 PM: 1st A vs. 2nd A
9:00 PM: 1st B vs. 2nd B
The Setterosa Begin a New Chapter in Alessandropoli
The Italian women’s water polo team, affectionately known as the Setterosa, stand on the precipice of a new era.Under the guidance of head coach Carlo Silipo,this talented squad is poised to make a splash in the upcoming Division I World Cup,a crucial test against global powerhouses and a glimpse into a future shaped by new regulations from world Aquatics.
Held in alessandropoli, Greece from January 14th to 19th, the tournament will see Italy clash with formidable opponents in Group B: the Netherlands, Australia, and Israel. This challenging draw sets the stage for a baptism by fire, as Italy will face off against Olympic silver medalists Australia and bronze medalists the Netherlands right from the start.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter for the team,” stated Coach Silipo, clearly relishing the opportunity. “Facing top-ranked teams from around the world right away will be invaluable for shaping our identity.”
While acknowledging the strength of their opponents, notably Australia and the Netherlands, Silipo demonstrated a keen awareness of the evolving landscape of international water polo. “While Israel has made significant strides, I believe they are still within our reach despite their ongoing rejuvenation,” he added, highlighting both the dynamism of the sport and the Setterosa’s readiness to compete against a rising tide.
Silipo’s confidence stems from a focused training camp held at the Ostia Federal Center from December 8th to 13th, where the team honed their skills and solidified their strategy.
“This is a group with immense growth potential,” he emphasized. “We’re committed to preparing thoroughly for this tournament, aiming to secure a spot in the Super Final.”
To reach that goal, Italy must finish within the top six of the Division I tournament, a challenging feat considering the strength of the field. The Super Final, scheduled for April 11th to 13th, will showcase the best of the best, with a venue yet to be steadfast.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the competition is the introduction of new regulations by World Aquatics. Silipo, having closely observed matches from the first stage of the World Cup, is well-versed in these changes and prepared to adapt his team’s strategy accordingly.His commitment to staying ahead of the curve reflects a forward-thinking approach that will be crucial for the Setterosa’s success.
The Setterosa’s journey in Alessandropoli is more than just a tournament; it’s a springboard for the future. The experience gained against the world’s elite, combined with the strategic adjustments necessitated by the new rules, will undoubtedly shape a new identity for the team. weather they secure a place in the Super final or not, the Setterosa are poised to emerge from this tournament stronger, more experienced, and ready to shine on the international stage.
