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SHANGHAI (AP) — Maurizio Felugo's bounce goal with 35 seconds left in the first extra period proved to be the winner as Italy beat Serbia 8-7 for the gold medal Saturday in men's water polo at the world aquatic championships.
The teams were level 6-6 after the regulation four periods.
It was Italy's first gold medal in men's water polo at the worlds since 1978 in Germany.
"It's a great victory, we played some good games," said Italian coach Dejan Udovicic. "The Serbian team is very tough, but we knew we could do it. I hope it's the beginning of something special. We have already thought of the London Olympics next year."
Goalkeeper Stefano Tempesti saved the day for Italy when he stopped a close-range shot from Serbia's Andrija Prlainovic with 15 seconds left in the second extra period.
"The most valuable player is our goalkeeper," Udovicic said . "We never thought we would lose."
Earlier, Miho Boskovic scored four goals to lead Croatia to a 12-11 victory over Hungary for the bronze medal.
Spain beat the United States 11-10 for fifth place and Montenegro defeated Germany 8-5 for seventh.
Greece won the women's gold medal on Friday, defeating China 9-8. Russia edged Italy 8-7 for bronze.
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The teams were level 6-6 after the regulation four periods.
It was Italy's first gold medal in men's water polo at the worlds since 1978 in Germany.
"It's a great victory, we played some good games," said Italian coach Dejan Udovicic. "The Serbian team is very tough, but we knew we could do it. I hope it's the beginning of something special. We have already thought of the London Olympics next year."
Goalkeeper Stefano Tempesti saved the day for Italy when he stopped a close-range shot from Serbia's Andrija Prlainovic with 15 seconds left in the second extra period.
"The most valuable player is our goalkeeper," Udovicic said . "We never thought we would lose."
Earlier, Miho Boskovic scored four goals to lead Croatia to a 12-11 victory over Hungary for the bronze medal.
Spain beat the United States 11-10 for fifth place and Montenegro defeated Germany 8-5 for seventh.
Greece won the women's gold medal on Friday, defeating China 9-8. Russia edged Italy 8-7 for bronze.
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