Francesco Porzio, 44, Wednesday allegedly kicked his wife in the face as she held their two-year-old child. Following the beating she barricaded herself in a closet and called the police for help.
Porzio's wife told police that she has been the victim of her husbands violent rages for years. She said he kicks and punches her even in the presence of their children.
Italy's men's water polo team is one of the world's most successful with six Olympic medals, and five World championship titles.
Published 27 August 2010, 04:25 IST