A1 M - De Akker scores a hat-trick and wins away 15-9 against Nuoto Catania
De Akker also wins in Catania 15-9 in the sixth day of the top water polo championship and continues the good moment that has seen them earn three points in the last three matches. The technical difference between the two teams was evident, but the warmth, in a very tight pool, on the edge of regulation, and with a lot of audience, was a factor that was not to be underestimated.
The match, however, was balanced for a time and a half, then the boys of Mistrangelo stepped on the gas and the gap widened. The great protagonist of the afternoon was captain Edoardo Cocchi, normally a skilled defender, today, instead, also an implacable goal scorer with three goals.
The first quarter with the only goal by Rouwenhorst in numerical superiority after 3.20. In the second half, it took two and a half minutes for Cocchi's second goal. In a minute there was the first goal of Catania with Ferlito, then the goal of Milakovic and Catania's 3-2. At this point, Bologna accelerates and scores repeatedly with Cocchi, Abramson, and Luongo, for the 6-2 halftime score.
The third quarter saw Catania immediately score with Biocanin, but Bologna managed and found the net first with Cocchi and then with Gallo's powerful finish. In response to Catania's Russo goal, Abramson scored with a personal initiative in the center, showing strength to make it 9-4. Then for the 10-5 before Bragantini, then for Nuoto Catania Ferlito. Less than two minutes before the end, Biocanin was injured after colliding with Rouwenhorst. The match was interrupted for a few minutes. Upon resumption, De Akker continued to grind its game and Urbinati first had a splendid play annulled, then redeemed himself with the goal that closed the third quarter at 11-5.
Four minutes passed to see the first goal of the fourth quarter with a strong finish by Luongo, after Milakovic had his one-on-one shot saved by Rossi. Tringali won a penalty and Luongo allowed him to take the shot and score in front of his Sicilian fans. Bologna loosened up towards the end and Catania scored with two very young players Trimarchi and Giulisano. One minute before the end Urbinati scored for 14-8 before Catania's Russo scored from outside and closed with a nice turn by Andrea Condemi for the final 15-9. Ten Bologna players scored in the match.
"The boys did everything well - Federico Mistrangelo said at the end - Despite the many numerical advantages against us, we defended as we know how and managed the match in the best possible way. Now the focus must immediately shift to Trieste to continue this good moment. It's an opportunity to raise the bar. We are confident and we must believe in ourselves."
Andrea Fogacci
De Akker Bologna Press Office
