Serbia took its place in the top eight and a date with Hungary after a convincing win over Italy who relied heavily on captain CALCATERRA. Italy may have scored first but PRLAINOVIC gave Serbia a 2-1 lead with a shot from five metres and one on counter. GOCIC added to Italy’s misery for 3-1 by midway through the second quarter. By halftime Italy was back in the picture but ALEKSIC made it 5-3 for Serbia three minutes into the third period when he scored from the top. CALCATERRA turned outside the near post to score on extra for 5-4 behind halfway through the third period but UDOVICIC pushed in a rebound which fell short of the line soon after for a two-goal margin by the final break. Campagna scored from 5m soon after the restart and RIZZO scored when all alone in front of goal but it was disallowed. UDOVICIC rubbed salt into the wound with a goal on counter for 7-5. Controversy reined at 1:47 when a suspected timeout was called but it was soon sorted and Italy actually took a timeout at 0:47 but it was too late to equalise and force extra time. The ball was lost, Serbia took a timeout and the bad news was all Italy’s.