Italy secured its spot the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship with a 18-9 win over Czechia in the third quarterfinal of the 2025 European Men’s Lacrosse Championship on Wednesday in Wroclaw.
Italy started the game on a 6-0 run with three goals from John Piatelli, and when Czechia cut it to three, Italy fired off another three goals to close the first half with an 11-3 lead.
Italy enjoyed another four-goal outburst in the third quarter featuring three goals from Ryan Bell.
Bell shined on the day with six goals and four assists to spark Italy. John Piatelli finished with seven points and Brian Piatelli added four. Goalkeeper Michael Dominick Ippoliti made 11 saves.
Italy became the third team in Europe to punch its ticket to the Men’s Championship in 2027, and joins Japan, England and Israel in the 16-team field.
Italy will make its sixth appearance in the championship, having participated in the last five editions dating back to 2006.
Czechia will play two more placement matches in Wroclaw and needs one more win to earn its bid.
Italy continues play at the European Men’s Championship on Thursday and will face the winner of Ireland in the first semifinal at 3:40 p.m. CEST.
