World Cup: Italy beats South Africa and advances directly to the quarterfinals

All that was missing was the final seal, and that's finally here. The Settebello swept South Africa 28-4 to finish first in Group A of the Water Polo World Championships in Singapore, also mathematically securing qualification for the quarterfinals, which was already assured after their victory over Serbia on penalties . Sandro Campagna's boys will return to the pool on Sunday at 10:00 Italian time to face the winner of the round of 16 match between Brazil, second in Group C, and the third-place team in Group D (Friday, July 18, at 1:30 pm).

Italy-South Africa 28-4Italy : Nicosia, Damonte 3, Cannella 3, Ferrero 4, Gianazza 2, Del Basso 3 (1 penalty), Condemi 3, Presciutti 1, Bruni 2, Di Somma 1, Velotto, Baggi Necchi, Cassia 4, Iocchi Gratta 2. Coach Campagna South Africa : Rajak, Ward, Bungane 1, Sneddon, Kuperus, Germishuys, Watt 1, R. Sneddon, Bowers, Geldenhus, Neser 2, Grimett, Smith, B. Sneddon. Coach Mackenzie Referees : Andrews (Can), Stavridis (Gre) Notes : Partial scores 6-1, 9-0, 8-1, 5-2. Numerical superiority: Italy 4/6 + one penalty and South Africa 2/8.