Abrupt stop at home for the Swimming Catania that to Scuderi swimming pool falls badly with the Rome Vis Nova in Game 1 of the semi-final of the play out for the salvation in the A1 men’s water polo championship.
In front of over 300 spectators, the Rossazzurri lost 14-16 to the Capitoline players at the end of a nervous match with some sub-optimal refereeing decisions but with the Capitoline players good at taking advantage of the home team’s carelessness, winning a heavy first round which complicated the race for salvation of the Sicilians.
Game 2 will be played on Wednesday 8 May in Rome and it will be necessary to rediscover that verve that characterized the end of the Relegation Round which ended with three consecutive successes against Camogli, Genova Quinto and Posillipo.
Torrisi, “There’s no point in complaining, let’s look forward”
At the end of the match, the president of Nuoto Catania Mario Torrisi commented thus: “It was a match played on a very physical level and some refereeing choices undoubtedly damaged us, but now there is no point in staying here and complaining. We have to look ahead because I believe it’s not over yet and if we play with the right head we can do well in Rome”.
Given, “The referee must not be the protagonist”
The coach Giuseppe Dato underlined: “It wasn’t a lucky day for both match officials, whose choices influenced the match. The referee must participate, not be the protagonist. Vis Nova won, better interpreting what we were unable to understand. I would like to thank the splendid audience that filled the Scuderi this evening!”.
Positive start of Swimming Catania
Nuoto Catania got off to a good start and scored with Muscat. The guests’ reaction materializes with Cecchini and Viskovic who overturn the score, the Etna players shake themselves and find three goals in a row twice with Russo interspersed with Samuele Catania who bring the score to 4-2 at the first siren.
At the start of the second half, Poli and Antonucci rebalance the situation but a penalty from Russo and another goal from the same player put Catania back ahead by two at 6-4.
This will be the Sicilians’ last advantage. Viskcovic first shortens and then, after Checchini’s equaliser, gives his team the advantage at 6-7 and it is with this score that the two teams go into the long half-time break.
Roma Vis Nova comes out in the distance
At the start of the third quarter Slobodien equalized but it was a flash in the pan: the Capitoline team flew to +2 thanks to Antonucci and again with Checchini. Riccardo Torrisi shortens the score to 8-9.
Key episode then in the third half: the Rossazzurri goalkeeper Ghiara was sent off, Marco Rossi taking his place. And De Robertis finds the 8-10. However, Nuoto Catania finds itself again: Riccardo Torrisi and Muscat bring the match back into balance at 10-10 but Checchini takes care of it with two more goals to re-establish the distance for the Romans who end the third quarter ahead 10-12.
Nuoto Catania scores against Muscat 11-12. The guests prevail with De Robertis 11-13. Shortly afterwards Russo closes the gap 12-13. Vis Nova finds the net with Agnolet 12-14. Then Murisic scores 13-14.
Then comes the Vis Nova goal with Viskovic 13-15. With 43 seconds left Nicolosi scores 14-15. Ciotti’s goal closes the match 14-16.
Swimming Catania-Rome Vis Nova Water Polo 14-16
Partial: 4-2; 2-5; 4-5; 4-4
Swimming Catania: F. Ghiara, M. Ferlito, S. Slobodien 1, A. Gullotta, R. Torrisi 2, M. Marangolo, G. Torrisi, V. Nicolosi 1, J. Muscat Melito 3, E. Russo 5, L. Murisic 1, S. Catania 1, M. Rossi, F. Gulisano. Trainer Given
Rome Vis Nova Water Polo: V. Correggia, M. Ciotti 1, A. Poli 1, N. Strkalj, L. Checchini 5, S. Russo, M. De Robertis 2, A. Agnolet 1, A. Viskovic 4, A. Narciso, L. Di Rocco, M. Antonucci 2, J. Rubini. Trainer Calcaterra
Referees: Romolini and Piano
Note. Approximately 300 spectators. Ghiara (C) sent off for protests in the third half. Out due to fouls by Poli (V) in the third half, Ferlito (C), Narciso and De Robertis (V) in the fourth half. In the fourth half, Muscat (C) and Di Rocco (V) were sent off for mutual misconduct. Rubini (V) on goal for Vis Nova at 1.25 of the fourth half. Correggia (V) on goal at 3.30 of the fourth half. Numerical superiorities: Catania 9/17 + 1 penalty, Vis Nova 9/16.
Semi-final play outs
Wednesday 1 May
- Posillipo-Rari Nantes Salerno 9-11
- Swimming Catania-Roma Vis Nova 14-16
Race 2, Wednesday 8 April
- Rare Nantes Salerno-Posillipo at 8pm
- Rome Vis Nova-Swimming Catania at 8.30pm
Possible Race 3, Saturday 11 April
- Posillipo-Rari Nantes Salerno at 7.30pm
- Swimming Catania-Rome Vis Nova at 8.30pm.
