Italian water polo coach Bruno Sabioni has steered the Croatia under-16 national team to a world championship victory, capping a historic summer for the nation’s youth water polo program. The triumph highlights a remarkable coaching transition for Sabioni, who previously led Italian club Lerici Sport before relocating to northern Croatia to spearhead new aquatic initiatives.
From Lerici Sport to the Global Stage
Sabioni’s journey to an international world title followed a successful tenure in Italy, where he managed Lerici Sport from 2017 to 2019 in a dual role as player and coach. During his time with the Italian side, known locally as the Coccodrilli, he oversaw the senior team alongside the under-18 and under-20 squads. His stint in Liguria included a memorable run during the 2018–19 season, when Lerici reached the promotion finals of the 1. B Liga before falling in a deciding third match against Arenzano at the Piscina Cicci Rolla.
Reflecting on his transition to international competition, Sabioni noted the significance of the under-16 world championship victory. “We achieved a result that will remain forever in the history of Croatian water polo in a historic season with three gold medals,” Sabioni stated, referencing concurrent titles secured by Croatia’s under-18 and under-20 national teams. For this specific generation of players, it marked their first medal won at a major international tournament, the result of years of steady development and accumulated match experience.
Building the Future in Bjelovar
Following his success within the Croatian national youth setup, Sabioni has taken on a new sporting challenge in Bjelovar, situated in northern Croatia. He has joined the newly established project at PVK Mladost Bjelovar and is contributing to the athletic development surrounding the Wellovar geothermal sports and leisure complex, which features a multi-pool aquatic facility. His responsibilities include launching a youth water polo academy and organizing a newly formed senior squad set to compete in the second tier of Croatian water polo. His contract with the Croatian national youth teams runs through the end of the year.
Lasting Ties to Italian Water Polo
Despite his relocation and international accolades, Sabioni continues to follow Italian water polo and maintains close ties with his former club in Lerici. He returns to the region frequently and keeps track of the team’s ongoing campaigns. Observing the current state of affairs at Lerici Sport, Sabioni expressed strong support for his former captain, Žarko Žarić, who has taken over as the club's head coach. With Žarić at the helm, Sabioni voiced confidence in the team’s prospects of securing promotion and achieving the milestone that narrowly eluded them during their memorable 2019 playoff run.
Related reading
