News – Articolo
New York – August 12, 2025 – Pro Recco the most decorated club in water polo history, reigning Italian champion, and recent winner of the Euro Cup, will embark on an exciting tour of the northeast United States, showcasing the very best of the sport.
The Pro Recco 2025 World Tour will take place from August 28 to September 8, and will bring the team’s international stars to the pool for four thrilling matches that will be played in New York City and Princeton, New Jersey. This unique preseason showcase aims to prepare the team for the upcoming season, promote the sport of water polo, and highlight Pro Recco’s new 2025-2026 apparel collection.
“Water polo has exploded as one of America’s fastest-growing sports, with high school participation surging 25% nationwide,” said Sandro Sukno, Pro Recco coach and Croatian 2012 London Olympic gold medalist. “These matches represent more than competition – it’s a platform to inspire the next wave of American talent while demonstrating that elite water polo belongs on the U.S. stage.”
Pro Recco will play two games against the Hungarian powerhouse FTC-Telekom, winners of the last two Champions League titles, and also face two U.S. collegiate powerhouse programs NCAA men’s champions University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Princeton University.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Pro Recco features some of the brightest talents in global water polo:
- Francesco Di Fulvio, captain of Italy’s national team and 2019 LEN Award winner (water polo’s version of the Ballon d’Or);
- Álvaro Granados, Spanish attacker, who recently won the World Champion title;
- Max Irving, captain of Team USA 2024 Paris Olympic bronze medalist;
- Rino Burić, Croatian defender, 2024 Paris Olympic silver medalist, and World and European champion;
- Andrea Fondelli, Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and two-time world silver medalist;
- Italian Francesco Condemi, one of the brightest talents in the water polo world.
More Than a Match: An Unforgettable Show in Asphalt Green NYC
One of the tour highlights will be the New York City clash at Asphalt Green, home to one of New York City’s premier aquatics programs, on Thursday, September 4 (7:30 pm): Pro Recco against FTC-Telekom, led by Balázs Nyéki, stacked with international superstars such as Dušan Mandić (three-time Olympic champion: Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024), Márton Vámos (two-time world champion), Stylianos Argyropoulos (Olympic silver medalist in Tokyo 2020), Krisztián Manhercz and Soma Vogel (Olympic bronze medalists in Tokyo 2020 and gold medalists at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka).
The excitement will not be limited to the pool action alone. For the first time ever, a halftime fan experience will give select ticket holders the chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to take a penalty shot against one of the world-class goalkeepers from FTC or Pro Recco’s Gianmarco Nicosia—while wearing official team gear.
The night will also feature a fan entertainment show, and the chance to sit poolside just steps away from the action, an exclusive post-match meet-and-greet with the players, and a Pro Recco merchandise area so fans can dress like their heroes.
As a prelude to the main event, on Wednesday, September 3, both European powerhouses—Pro Recco and FTC—will take on top U.S. collegiate teams: UCLA and Princeton University, also at Asphalt Green, promising a full evening of international and collegiate water polo at its finest.
Tickets for both days are still available at:
https://futureswaterpololeague.ticketspice.com/pro-recco-2025-world-tour
Match Schedule – New York:
September 3 – Asphalt Green, Upper East Side
6:00 PM EST – Pro Recco vs UCLA;
7:30 PM EST – Princeton vs FTC-Telekom;
September 4 – Asphalt Green, Upper East Side
7:30 PM EST – Pro Recco vs FTC-Telekom.
All New York matches will be live streamed on Overnght (www.overnght.com), the official streaming partner of the Pro Recco 2025 World Tour.
Overnght is the world’s leading water polo streaming platform, broadcasting in over 57 countries and serving as the official media partner of USA Water Polo. Dedicated to elevating niche and Olympic sports, connects global audiences to the athletes, stories, and moments that matter, driving visibility, engagement, and access across every level of play.
The Tour at Princeton University
Pro Recco 2025 World Tour will bring its energy and excitement to Princeton University’s Denunzio pool on August 31, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, where they will host a world-class clinic and a special opportunity to meet and train with the Pro Recco team and coach Sandro Sukno. The clinic will be sponsored in partnership with the Princeton Tigers Water Polo Club.
During the clinic, participants (ages 11-18) will have the chance to sharpen their technical skills and discover tips and tricks from elite players. Coaches will gain valuable insight into advanced training methods and tactics directly from Sukno, the youngest coach to achieve 13 titles in four consecutive seasons. Every participant will also receive a special, one-of-a-kind Pro Recco gift – a lasting keepsake to remember this unique experience.
Register here: https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/njptacwpd/page/team-registration
The Denunzio Pool will also host the tour’s grand finale: the rematch between Pro Recco and FTC-Telekom, as part of the Princeton Invitational tournament.
Match Schedule – Princeton:
September 6 – Denunzio Pool, Princeton, NJ
5:00 PM EST – Pro Recco vs Princeton;
6:30 PM EST – FTC-Telekom vs Fordham.
September 7 – Denunzio Pool, Princeton, NJ
2:00 PM EST – Pro Recco vs FTC-Telekom
Statement from Pro Recco President, Maurizio Felugo:
“For years, Pro Recco has invested energy and resources in promoting water polo. We firmly believe that inspiring the next generation, sparking passion among young fans, and giving them a dream to chase is just as important as winning trophies. This tour in the U.S. is a natural step in a journey we deeply believe in, a journey that, we hope, will benefit not just our club, but the entire sport.”
“The matches we’ll play in the U.S., especially against a giant like FTC-Telekom, promise to be thrilling, not only for the competition in the pool, but for the unique entertainment and experiences in the stands. We’re also excited to face top American programs like UCLA and Princeton, who have raised their level year after year and are developing players ready to shine on the world stage. The American movement is growing fast: fresh off an Olympic bronze medal and heading toward LA 2028 with momentum. We’re proud to support that growth, and we take on that responsibility with joy, respect, and pride.”
“This tour strengthens an already solid bond between Pro Recco and the United States. In 2019, we visited California and trained with Stanford and Berkeley. Last season, two American players, Ben Hallock and Jack Larsen, played a key role in winning the historic treble, especially after a summer filled with uncertainty. And starting this August, we’re thrilled to welcome Max Irving, the captain of Team USA: a fantastic athlete we expect to make a big impact both in and out of the pool.”
“We are very much looking forward to this tour and our visit to the United States, where we are proud to offer American water polo fans the opportunity to witness some of the world’s top players in action. I want to thank our ownership, whose vision and dedication are a powerful asset for the sport. Thanks to them, Pro Recco is growing beyond just competition, with the ambition to become a globally recognized icon and an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. We’re building something lasting and unique, aiming to take water polo where it has never gone before.”