- vs Italy Prediction 23 January 2026
When the tournament hosts face off against one of Europe's most seasoned national teams, it's more than just a match-it's pure tension from the first whistle to the last. Serbia, hosting the championship on home soil, are eager to prove they have both a storied past and a promising present. Italy, on the other hand, have navigated a grueling path; after a group stage defeat to Greece, they nearly faced elimination but ultimately secured a spot among the championship's top four. Expectations are sky-high for both sides, and this match offers their leaders a chance to live up to them.
Head-to-Head
In official matches, Serbia have triumphed more often than Italy - out of 13 encounters, the Serbians have secured 10 victories, while the Italians have managed just 3. Moreover, in European championships, Serbia have also claimed wins over Italy, which are far from being rare occurrences.
Head-to-head statistics - - Italy
Serbia Team Overview
Serbia always bring a powerful, physical game with strong defensive discipline. As the host nation, they enjoy the support of the home crowd, which typically works in their favor, though the pressure can also have an impact. In this championship, the Serbians have not shown the consistency that was expected of them: there have been big wins, defeats, and hard-fought matches, but no clear dominance. Nevertheless, when Serbia play their best water polo, they are solid in a 6-on-6 setup, excel at reading the game defensively, and launch into counterattacks with precision.
Match Results: Serbia
Italy Team Overview
Italy faced a significant challenge on their way to the semifinals: after a group stage loss to Greece, they were fighting for survival in the tournament. However, they triumphed over Croatia in a decisive match, securing their spot among the top four. In that encounter, the Italians demonstrated their resilience, with the goalkeeper making crucial saves and the attack capitalizing on opportunities-traits that typically make Italy a formidable force in major tournaments. While their current form is far from perfect, they are gaining momentum as the tournament progresses.
Match Results: Italy
