Members of Team Italy celebrate after their water polo men's gold medal match against Hungary at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province on Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Defending champions Italy defeated Hungary in the men's water polo final on Tuesday, winning the last gold of the FISU World University Games.
CHENGDU, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Reigning champions Italy snatched victory in the tournament's closing competition of the FISU World University Games, defeating Hungary 13-11 in the men's water polo final here on Tuesday.
Italy secured a clean sweep to reach the final against Hungary. They began powerfully in the first quarter, establishing a 6-3 lead over their opponents.
Francesco Faraglia (L) of Italy competes during the match. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)
"Our goal has always been the champions, and we managed to get the well-deserved victory today," said Daniele Bettini, the Italy team coach.
"It is our great pleasure to win the last gold medal, and all the spectators witnessed what we have done today," said 19-year-old Pietro Faraglia, the youngest player on the Italy team.
Earlier on Tuesday, Georgia secured the bronze medal with a 12-7 victory over the United States. ■
