Serbia came back from minus three but faltered against Italy

The Group A derby at the World Championship went to the Italian water polo team.

"Setebelo" defeated Serbia 17:16 in Singapore and secured a place in the quarterfinals one round before the end of the group stage.

It started badly for Serbia as Nikola Jakšić was sent off with the right to substitute, and after that there were many reversals.

It seemed like everything was settled with just under four minutes left when the Italians took a 13:10 lead, but Serbia got a chance with a 3:0 run on the wings of Dušan Mandić in the final minute.

They didn't use it in the penalty area because Boris Vapenski and Miloš Ćuk missed.

The only inaccurate player in Alessandro Campagna's team was Alessandro Veloto.

Italy is a potential rival for the Montenegrin water polo players in the quarterfinals - the "sharks" would meet the current world vice-champion if they finish the group in third place and advance to the round of 16, where possible opponents are Brazil and Canada.

Results of the 2nd round

Group A

Italy - Serbia 17:16 - after penalty shootout

South Africa - Romania 5:24

Group B

Japan - Hungary 18:23

Australia - Spain 7:10

Group C

USA - Brazil 16:7

Singapore - Canada 10:22

Group D

Croatia - Montenegro 13:11

Greece - China 26:5