Greece’s women’s national water polo team finished the European Water Polo Championships (EWPC) 2026 on a high note on Thursday night, overpowering Italy 15–8 in the third-place match to secure the bronze medal.
The result marked Greece’s sixth medal in European Championship history and its 16th medal overall across major international competitions. It also continued a recent trend, with Greece defeating Italy for bronze for the third consecutive European Championship, following narrow wins in 2024 and 2026 after years of near misses.
Greece asserts control ina familiar matchup
Thursday’s contest was a rematch of the two teams’ earlier meeting in the group stage, where Greece had already defeated Italy. Once again, Greece dictated the tempo from the outset, pairing tight defensive organization with efficient scoring to steadily build a commanding lead.
Italy attempted to respond with physical pressure and quick transitions, but Greece remained composed, limiting high-quality chances and capitalizing on turnovers. The margin widened as the match progressed, reflecting Greece’s growing confidence and depth.
A rivalry turning Greece’s way
While Italy still holds the historical edge in European Championship head-to-head meetings, recent years have seen the balance shift. Greece has now won three straight European encounters against Italy and has claimed victory in seven of its last ten meetings at the continental level.
Greece look fantastic as they beat the Italians in the third place match! #EWPC2026 pic.twitter.com/oaA5bVOXT8
— European Aquatics Water Polo (@Euro_Waterpolo) February 5, 2026
The two sides have also met repeatedly in high-stakes matches beyond Europe. Greece defeated Italy for bronze at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games and eliminated them at the World Championships in Doha in 2024, while Italy’s last knockout-stage win over Greece dates back to 2015.
Bronze adds to a growing European record
The medal in Funchal extended Greece’s consistent presence on the European podium. Across 19 appearances, the women’s team has now collected four silver medals (2010, 2012, 2018, 2022) and two bronze medals (2024, 2026), though a European title remains elusive.
For Greece, the 2026 bronze also carried symbolic weight. After losing bronze-medal matches in 1995 and 2001, the team has now secured a third-place finish in back-to-back tournaments, signaling greater maturity in decisive matches.
Youth and experience combine
The tournament also highlighted Greece’s emerging talent. Fifteen-year-old Afroditi Bitsakou, the youngest player in Funchal, contributed four goals during the championship after celebrating her birthday on Jan. 24, underlining the blend of youth and experience shaping the team’s future.
A program defined by consistency
Greece’s modern success in women’s water polo stretches back to the silver medal at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, a defining moment for the sport nationally. Since then, the team has captured world titles in 2011 and 2025, along with gold medals at the World Cup and Europa Cup, while reaching the podium in every major international competition it has entered.
The emphatic win over Italy in Funchal not only delivered another medal, but also reinforced Greece’s status as a permanent force in women’s water polo — finishing the European Championships with authority and confidence.
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