The 12–11 score was not the real story

Italy defeated world champions Spain in Naples. The more significant development sat behind the result: a parallel programme designed to bring the next generation closer to the Settebello before a gap appears.

A friendly between Italy and Spain is never entirely friendly. It carries quality, history, comparison and the need for each side to measure itself against one of its most important rivals.

Italy’s 12–11 victory at the Scandone offered all of that. It also provided something more valuable: a clear view of how a major water polo nation is trying to work on the present and the future at the same time.

Italy showed two different versions of itself

The Settebello led by as many as five goals at 9–4. Francesco Cassia scored four, Filippo Ferrero added three and Francesco Condemi converted the decisive extra player for 12–10 with two minutes remaining.

Italy finished 8 from 13 on the extra player and held Spain to 5 from 16. For three quarters, the hosts displayed control, quick circulation and greater clarity in special situations.

The final period, however, ended 4–2 to Spain. Unai Biel reached five goals and the world champions turned a 9–4 deficit into a genuine threat that lasted until the final possession.

That may be the most useful part of a preparation game. The victory builds confidence, but Spain’s comeback prevents easy conclusions. The result confirms that Italy can play at a high level of intensity. It does not yet prove that the team can sustain it across four complete quarters.

“The victory mattered. The connection between today’s Settebello and the players who may join it in two or three years mattered more.”

The second programme taking place in Naples

While the senior team worked alongside Spain, players born between 2008 and 2011 entered the same high performance environment.

This was not a symbolic invitation. The Italian federation plans to repeat the programme every month, involving approximately 15 athletes in each cycle. The work will focus on individual technical and tactical development, with the best prospects gradually moving closer to the senior national team over the next two or three years.

This is the real story.

Italy is not treating renewal as a decision to be made only when current internationals leave. It is attempting to create a shared language, clear expectations and a visible route to the highest level before that moment arrives.

For a 15, 16 or 17 year old, the distance to the senior national team can feel undefined. When that player trains beside it, is assessed through similar standards and knows that the next meeting will take place one month later, the pathway becomes tangible.

Luca Izzo and the first visible step

Sandro Campagna highlighted Italy’s goalkeeping depth and specifically mentioned Luca Izzo. The 2007 born goalkeeper received his first senior national team call in his own city.

Izzo’s case should not be turned into a premature claim about a future star. It carries more value as evidence that the distance can be reduced. A first call does not guarantee a career. It does, however, create a reference point for the player and for the younger athletes who trained in Naples.

The presence of 2009 born Tommaso Carrió in Spain’s lineup, and his goal in the opening quarter, delivered the same message from the other side of the pool. These teams are not preparing only for the next competition. They are already testing who could belong to the next cycle.

Succession is not built through one call up

Development programmes are judged by what follows, not by the announcement. They require repetition, cooperation with clubs, transparent evaluation and real opportunities. They must also protect young athletes from the pressure created by premature labels.

That is why the monthly structure is the most interesting part of Italy’s plan. It turns a camp from an isolated event into a process. It allows the coaching staff to assess development over time rather than the impression created by one good day.

The 12–11 score will remain in the record as an Italian victory over the world champions. For YARE, the deeper significance lies elsewhere.

Naples did not test only one team. It tested the idea that the next generation should not wait outside the senior national team’s door. Young players should know where that door is, what is required to open it and when their next opportunity to move closer will arrive.