Italy’s roster for Europeans: One returnee and several newcomers

Following a 15:12 win in a friendly match against Montenegro, Italy’s head coach Alessandro Campagna picked 15 players who will travel to the European Championships in Belgrade.

As previously confirmed, the team has undergone significant rejuvenation, with six experienced players who participated in the 2025 World Championships not called up for preparations.

An experienced goalkeeper, Marco Del Lungo, is back in the team after a one-year break.

Most players come from Brescia. Six Brescia players are among the selected 15.

But the number of Brescia’s players at the European Championships may increase.

Campagna picked Del Lungo and Francesco De Michelis as goalkeepers. However, De Michelis got ill. If he doesn’t recover, Tommasso Baggi Necchi (Brescia) will replace him, the Italian Swimming Federation announced.

The only player from the foreign clubs on Italy’s roster is Ferencvaros’ Edoardo di Somma. There are three Pro Recco players on the team.

Before the Europeans in Belgrade, Italy will play at the tournament in Trebinje (January 3 – 6). In the group stage in Trebinje, Italy will play against Serbia and Spain. On the last day, the „Settebello“ will meet one of the three teams from the other group (Hungary, Greece, France)

Goalkeepers: Marco Del Lungo (Savona), Francesco De Michelis (Olympic Roma). Field players: Alessandro Balzarini, Mario Del Basso, Vincenzo Dolce, Tommaso Gianazza, Jacopo Alesiani, Filippo Ferrero (all Brescia), Edoardo Di Somma (Ferencvaros), Francesco Cassia, Francesco Condemi, Matteo Iocchi Gratta (all Pro Recco), Lorenzo Bruni (Savona), Mattia Antonucci (Roma Vis Nova), Alessandro Carnesecchi (Ortigia).

Reserve: Tommaso Baggi Necchi (Brescia).

Italy was drawn into Group C of the first group phase at the European Championships, along with Romania, Slovakia, and Turkiye.