Rudic: "I was talking to Andreotti about the Settebello. I'd like to be remembered as a good painter."

These are the days of the Settebello, busy at the World Championships. They are always the days of Ratko Rudic, arriving in Singapore to watch the finals. Rudic is the totem of world water polo. It was he who changed the destiny of the Settebello, with whom he won everything. And Italy, after all, has also changed its guru, Rudic.

Ratko, what was your first speech to the Azzurri?

"When I arrived after signing my contract in September 1990, I introduced myself to them at the first training camp and, in front of the management, I immediately explained my goals, the type of work awaiting us, and the programs I would implement. But my ambition was so clear that I told everyone: I came here to win Olympic gold. I then began to explain to the boys my style of play, my system, and what I expected. I was clear from the start: I explained what I would do to achieve my goals, that I would make significant changes to the work they were used to. The dialogue became constant."

"The first year, it wasn't easy for all my rather demanding requests to be met perfectly. For example, I started with the gym work, and they weren't used to doing that much. Then I started with the type of game I wanted. The guys told me, 'We can't do it physically, our opponents are always taller than us.' They thought that Italians were anthropologically inferior. Almost a complex. I retorted, 'It's all about heart and training, the difference doesn't just happen because you're shorter.' They understood that later."

In short, a question of mentality.

"My successes helped convince them that this was the right path, especially because I began collaborating with the Institute of Sports Medicine right from the start: CONI provided me with many experts, and we ran tests and experimental trials. We collected very important data that I developed in the water. Yes, they helped us with the planning, and I benefited from it because I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the game than water polo."

Between the 1991 European gold medal and the unforgettable Olympic feat of Barcelona '92 with the epic final against Spain, he conquered everyone.

"Those small problems were in fact overcome. It was crucial, after my first year of management, to sit down and discuss things openly. We more or less hit it off; I made some concessions, and the boys accepted my Olympic program. So the group made a difference not only in the Olympic tournament, but they won consistently. The boys were brilliant."

Italy discovered the guru of water polo: how proud did he feel of having transformed Italy and made it a winner again?

"I remember that even the then Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti came to congratulate me directly, he was very happy. He was a keen follower of the sport, he knew everything about water polo, we talked for a long time."

She also celebrated her citizenship.

"A truly wonderful recognition. I was the only athlete to receive it from the President of the Republic, Oscar Luigi Scalfaro. Therefore, the bond with Italy is forever."

After winning the World Cup gold medal in Rome in 1994, he shocked everyone by revamping his team amidst controversy. Was he right that time too?

"That revolution in 1995 was the hardest decision for me. I really changed the group, and it was a powerful moment. Between saving the group and changing the game, speeding it up and making it more dynamic, I chose the latter."

And he won the European Championship again, in Vienna in 1995.

"The golden cycle continued, and in '96 we could have repeated the golden streak in Atlanta: in fact, we didn't lose a single match in regulation time. In the semifinal against Croatia, two unfortunate details—two penalties against us while we were in possession—penalized us. It happens in sports: we had a lot of quality, the game was there, but we finished bronze."

"I've left a lot of my legacy in Italian water polo. In general, I don't like the new rules of this water polo. I'll see what happens in Singapore, even though I think the strongest teams remain the same. The methodologies have my own imprint, the foundation from which to build: I'm proud of that."

Starting with Sandro Campagna, his favorite student.

"Many players have grown and become very good: in 2012, six out of twelve teams were coached by my former assistants. A great satisfaction."

What would you say to Campagna after what happened at the Paris Games?

"Sandro doesn't need advice, he knows how to win, he knows what he has to do."

He won his last Olympic gold medal with Croatia against Sandro's Settebello.

"In 2012, I had a very strong team, one of the strongest: we dominated, but I wanted to win, not against anyone. Beating my assistant made me a little sad, but every coach thinks for himself before every match."

A player who will remain your favorite?

"I hold him dear as the favorite. I've seen so many generations pass by, but I'll never make a ranking. I've always been someone who's focused on protecting the group."

He said that coaching is like painting a canvas.

"I like being a painter. Abstract painting."

How would you like to be remembered?

"Like a good painter...".