International referee Alex De Raffaele continued to make his mark on the international stage, officiating the second leg of the Challenger Cup Men 2024/2025 match between KVP Nováky and EVK Zaibas on 1st February 2025 in Nováky, Slovakia. The match saw the home team, KVP Nováky, dominate their Lithuanian opponents with a convincing 14-8 victory.
Sharing refereeing duties with Matjaž Homovec of Slovenia, De Raffaele ensured the game was managed smoothly, maintaining fairness and professionalism throughout the contest. The match was a display of top-tier water polo, with KVP Nováky’s tactical prowess and physical dominance leaving a lasting impression on their home supporters.
KVP Nováky’s victory was built on disciplined defence, sharp offensive plays, and strong team coordination, which proved too much for EVK Zaibas to handle. The win strengthens Nováky’s position in the tournament as they push towards further rounds in the Challenger Cup.
This assignment is another achievement in De Raffaele’s distinguished refereeing career, further highlighting his involvement at the highest levels of international water polo. His continued presence in key matches reflects the growing recognition of his expertise within the sport.
