Overview

• Italy completed the group stage unbeaten after a 28-4 rout of South Africa in Singapore.
• Filippo Ferrero and Francesco Cassia each scored four goals, with Cassia named man of the match.
• Coach Sandro Campagna rested captain Francesco Di Fulvio and handed goalkeeper Tommaso Baggi Necchi his debut to manage player workload.
• Italy will return to the pool on July 20 to face the winner of Brazil versus the third-placed team from Group D in the quarterfinals.
• The team’s commanding performances and tactical rotations underscore its credentials as a medal contender at the FINA World Championships.