The all-Italian Euro Cup final for women’s water polo delivered on its promise, with Antenore Plebiscito Padova narrowly defeating Pallanuoto Trieste 10-8 in a captivating contest. Jubilant scenes erupted as Padova celebrated their hard-fought victory, claiming the prestigious Euro Cup trophy and gold medals, fueled by an impressive hat-trick from Alma Yaacobi. Earlier in the day, ZV De Zaan from the Netherlands showcased a dominant performance to secure the bronze medal against BVSC-Zuglo of Hungary.
Euro Cup Final Four: Decisive Match Day
Final Day Results (Sunday, April 14th, 2024)
Bronze Medal Match: BVSC-Zuglo (HUN) 8-15 ZV De Zaan (NED)
Gold Medal Match: Antenore Plebiscito PD (ITA) 10-8 Pallanuoto Trieste (ITA)
Photo: Simone Ferraro / European Aquatics
The atmosphere at the Bruno Bianchi complex was electric from the moment Padova and Trieste, the finalists of the Women’s Euro Cup, appeared poolside. The stands were packed with enthusiastic supporters, creating a deafening roar that set the stage for a truly spectacular final. The ensuing match lived up to all expectations, providing a thrilling spectacle for water polo fans.
Photo: Simone Ferraro / European Aquatics
The rivalry between Trieste and Padova is well-established, intensified by their recent clash in the Italian cup semi-finals just a week prior, where Padova emerged victorious with an 8-6 score. Trieste’s hopes for revenge in this Euro Cup final were dashed as Padova once again demonstrated superior clinical finishing in front of the goal.
The first quarter began cautiously, a tight and tactical battle where both defenses excelled. It was Padova who broke the deadlock, with Israeli international Alma Yaacobi scoring the opening goal. Alessia Casson quickly followed up, extending Padova’s lead to 2-0 as they established early dominance.
Photo: Simone Ferraro / European Aquatics
Trieste initially appeared unsettled, but captain Lucrezia Cergol settled their nerves with a well-placed shot, narrowing the score to 2-1 with 3:08 remaining in the quarter. Arianna Gragnolati, Trieste’s semi-final hero with five goals, continued her impressive form, leveling the score at 2-2, much to the delight of the home crowd. Just before the quarter ended, Padova’s Emma Bacelle appeared to have regained the lead, but her shot, though perfectly placed, was ruled to have come after the buzzer.
The second quarter mirrored the first, with both teams scoring twice and both goalkeepers, Laura Teani for Padova and Fabiana Sparano for Trieste, showcasing exceptional saves. Padova again took the lead twice, at 3-2 and 4-3, but Trieste responded each time, equalizing with their fourth goal coming from a swift counter-attack, expertly finished by Sara Cordovani.
In the third quarter, Carlotta Meggiato put Padova ahead once more (5-4), outsmarting Sparano with a delicate lob that arced into the net. Meggiato’s goal ignited a three-goal surge for Padova, leaving Trieste trailing 7-4 and facing a significant challenge to overturn the deficit and claim the Euro Cup title.
Photo: Simone Ferraro / European Aquatics
Entering the final quarter, Padova maintained a three-goal advantage (8-5), echoing the situation Trieste faced against De Zaan in the semi-final. The question loomed: could Trieste replicate their previous comeback heroics?
Gragnolati signaled Trieste’s intent, scoring her second and third goals of the night, both expertly converted penalties into the left corner, reducing the gap to 8-7 with 4:06 remaining. However, Padova, determined to avoid De Zaan’s fate, responded swiftly. Alessia Millo scored, restoring Padova’s two-goal lead.
The drama continued as Cordovani reignited Trieste’s hopes, scoring a powerful backhand shot from close range, making it 9-8 with 3:14 left. A remarkable comeback seemed possible, demanding composure from both sides. Trieste, however, faltered, missing two crucial opportunities on extra player advantages to equalize. Guya Zizza’s shot hit the crossbar with 2:10 on the clock, and Gragnolati’s attempt struck the post at 1:37.
With only 24 seconds remaining, Yaacobi sealed Padova’s hard-earned and memorable victory, completing her hat-trick with the decisive goal during an extra player situation, bringing the score to 10-8. It was heartbreak for Trieste, but pure elation for Padova, whose celebrations as Euro Cup water polo winners were set to continue long into the night in their rivals’ home pool.
Photo: Simone Ferraro / European Aquatics
De Zaan Clinches Euro Cup Bronze
Earlier in the day, ZV De Zaan secured third place with a commanding performance against BVSC. Last season saw Hungarian teams dominate the Euro Cup podium, but this year, the Hungarian teams missed out on medals. Following their disappointing semi-final loss against Trieste, where they surrendered a three-goal lead, De Zaan delivered a strong response to claim the bronze medal.
The first quarter of the bronze medal game was a goal-filled affair, with eight goals scored, five of them by De Zaan, who took control from the outset. Captain Lieke Rogge opened the scoring on a power play after just 32 seconds, followed by Takyiwa Sam extending their lead to 2-0. De Zaan effectively capitalized on power play opportunities, with Bente Rogge scoring on their third extra player attempt to make it 3-1.
Photo: Simone Ferraro / European Aquatics
Midway through the first quarter, BVSC was already playing catch-up. Goals from Lili Urvari and Nikolett Kele briefly leveled the score, but Kila Van der Veen and Maud Koopman responded with two goals each, giving De Zaan a 5-3 advantage. Flora Fekete narrowed the gap to 5-4 early in the second quarter, but this only spurred De Zaan to elevate their game, scoring four unanswered goals to establish a significant 9-4 lead by halftime.
Koopman was the standout performer in the first half, scoring a hat-trick, with her third goal being particularly impressive. Exploiting the space created by BVSC’s double-teaming on the 2-meter line, Koopman launched an unstoppable 6-meter shot into the top corner.
The third quarter continued in a similar vein, with De Zaan consistently finding open players by exploiting BVSC’s defensive setup. Two more power play goals for De Zaan were followed by outstanding action goals. Nerida Drewes, finding space on the left, fired a powerful shot into the net, making it 12-6. Then, just before the end of the third quarter, Van der Veen converted from the right side, extending the lead to 13-6.
Photo: Simone Ferraro / European Aquatics
De Zaan’s dominant performance was a masterclass, supported by excellent goalkeeping from Britt Van den Dobbelsteen, who thwarted BVSC’s attempts to mount a comeback. With a seven-goal lead, the match was effectively decided. Closing out the final quarter 2-2, De Zaan secured a well-deserved bronze medal, triggering joyous celebrations.
Replays of all Final Four games are available on the European Aquatics YouTube channel, and full scores can be found by clicking here.
Photo: Simone Ferraro / European Aquatics
