Cadets secure first European Championship win — North Macedonia defeat Italy 33-23
The cadet side beat Italy 33-23 in Serbia and can clinch second place in the group with a win over Turkey on August 4, 2026.
North Macedonia's cadet handball team earned its first victory at the European Championship in Serbia on August 3, 2026, beating Italy 33-23 in a convincing performance.
Decisive start and strong finishing
Coach Goran Kuzmanoski had reason to be satisfied after a match in which his players set the tone from the opening whistle and never allowed Italy to get back into the game. The win lifts the team’s spirits and improves their standing in the group.
The result keeps North Macedonia firmly in contention for second place in the group: the team will secure that spot if they beat Turkey in their next match on August 4, 2026, provided Italy loses to Sweden.
Leading the scoring for North Macedonia were Boban Popovski with nine goals and Stefan Gjorgieski with six, while center back Stefan Gjorgjievski also contributed six goals to the tally.
The cadets will regroup and prepare for the clash with Turkey, aiming to convert today's momentum into another crucial result and confirm their place in the next phase of the tournament.
Photo: press material from the event
