At the end of the national meet held in Terracina from 19 to 22 August, Coach Emiliano Del Duca has selected his squad of twelve out of the 15 called up for the last few days, who will now go on to participate in the second edition of the Mediterranean Beach Games in Patras, Greece from 28 to 31 August. Italy arrive as reigning champions after winning the first edition in Pescara in 2015. In light of previous commitments and with one eye on the European Superfinal, Coach Emiliano Del Duca has made a handful of changes in order to test out new players and rest those who have been playing non-stop since May. In goal Simone Del Mestre gives way to Alessio Battini, for the latter’s first Azzurri appearance at an official competition. The same goes for Marco Giordani in for captain Francesco Corosiniti. Pietro Palazzolo and Fabio Sciacca, who both missed the Euroleague stage in Catania, make their return to the squad. Paolo Palmacci is rested once again.

The National Team begin the tournament directly in the quarter-final stage scheduled for Thursday 29 August, and will depart for Greece tomorrow morning at 08:00 CEST. Italy will then train for five days from Saturday 24 August to Wednesday 28, with two sessions a day. They will make their debut in the tournament on Thursday against the winner of the round of 16 between Libya and Portugal. The semi-finals are scheduled for Friday and the final shall be played on Saturday. Match times will be officially confirmed in the coming days.

Squad List

Goalkeepers: Andrea Carpita (Viareggio BS), Alessio Battini (Pisa BS);

Defenders: Alfio Chiavaro (Catania BS), Dario Ramacciotti (Viareggio BS);

Wingers: Alessio Frainetti (BS Terracina), Gentilini Josep Junior (Sambenedettese BS), Simone Marinai (Viareggio BS), Pietro Angelo Palazzolo (Catania BS), Marco Giordani (Terracina BS);

Forwards: Gabriele Gori (Viareggio BS), Emmanuele Zurlo (Catania BS), Francesco Sciacca (Catania BS).

Staff - Head Coach: Emiliano Del Duca; Head of Delegation: Massimo Agostini; Accompanying Director: Ferdinando Arcopinto; Assistant Coach: Michele Leghissa; Athletic Coach: Paolo La Rocca; Goalkeeping Coach: Antonino Nosdeo; Doctor: Alvise Clarioni.