Team Italy got their redemption Saturday evening at Glen Farm Polo Grounds, defeating the USA 12-7 in a thrilling match that had the crowd on their feet until the final chukker.
The 13th edition of this cherished Newport International Polo Series tradition lived up to its billing as “grande spettacolo,” with Italy seeking to avenge last year’s heartbreaking 9-8 loss to the Americans.
For the first four chukkers, it appeared the match would come down to another nail-biter. The teams traded goals in a tightly contested battle, with Italy holding a slim 7-6 advantage heading into the final stages of play.
But Italy’s squadra azzurra had other plans. The visiting team exploded for five unanswered goals in the closing chukkers, turning a one-goal lead into a commanding 12-7 victory that sent the Rhode Island Italian-American community into celebration.
The “Festa Italiana” themed match drew families and polo enthusiasts to the Portsmouth grounds, where food trucks served everything from pizza napoletana to Rhode Island clam cakes. The atmosphere buzzed with “la dolce suspense” as spectators witnessed Italy’s dramatic surge to victory.
Team USA, who had successfully defended their crown in last year’s classic, couldn’t find an answer for Italy’s late-game offensive explosion. The Americans managed just one goal over the final chukkers while Italy poured in five to put the match away.
The victory marks a significant turnaround for Italy, who had carried the disappointment of last year’s narrow defeat into Saturday’s rematch. This time, they made sure there would be no doubt about the outcome.
The Newport International Polo Series continues next Saturday, July 12, when Newport takes on Pittsburgh at 5:00 pm.
More from What’sUpNewp
Professional women’s tennis returns to Newport’s grass courts for first time since 1990 as qualifying begins today
4 hours agoJuly 6, 2025
7 hours agoJuly 6, 2025
