Italy with a double chance

Last season saw an Italian–Greek duel in the final of the LEN Trophy – this time it will already happen in the semifinals but can also be repeated in the last game of the series. All games can be followed on the LEN website (www.len.eu), thanks to a free live streaming from Imperia.

For the second time in succession, the Final Four tournament will be held in Italy. This time Imperia will be the host (Florence was the site in 2014) and there is a chance for another repetition, a final contested by an Italian and a Greek team. (Last year Olympiacos defeated Florentia.)

However, a semifinal between these nations’ respective clubs has already been scheduled as Padova (ITA) will take on Vouliagmeni (GRE). Based on the recent results, the Greeks can be considered the favourites for the title: they reached the Final Four in the Euro League (former Champions Cup) 8 times in the last 11 years, played in five finals and won the biggest honour twice (in 2009 and 2010). In the LEN Trophy, Vouliagmeni triumphed in 2003 and was runner-up in 2000 and 2005. Padova has less to look back: a semifinal appearance in the LEN Trophy back in 2008 is their lonely major achievement in the European scene.

In the other semi, host Imperia (ITA) and Hungary’s champion side, Szentes will clash. Both sides have fine reputation: Imperia marched to the Final Four in the Euro League last year and could lift the LEN Trophy in 2012. The Hungarians’ traditions go back the farthest of all: they won the Champions Cup in 1993, and returned to the elite from time to time, also reaching the semis three times in the LEN Trophy (in 2011 and 2012 most recently).

In the history of the LEN Trophy Italy is the most successful nation with 8 titles, Greek sides won three, the Hungarians one – and the Italians have a double chance now to further improve the stats.

LEN Trophy, Final Four – Imperia (ITA)

Friday, 10 April
Semifinals
19.30 Plebiscito Padova (ITA) vs. Vouliagmeni (GRE)
21.00 Hungerit-Szentes (HUN) vs. Mediterranea Imperia (ITA)

Saturday, 11 April
19.30 Bronze medal game
21.00 LEN Trophy Final

A live stream of all games will be available on www.len.eu

9 April 2015