The final was all-square at 4-4 at the end of the third quarter but Serbia quickly gained the advantage in the final period with Filip Filipovic scoring with a powerful shot.

Serbia's goalkeeper then pulled off a string of fine saves before Dusko Pijetlovic put them further in front.

However, --avier Garcia then netted twice, the second coming 11 seconds from the end, to force the game into extra time at 6-6.

After a goal apiece in overtime, the Serbians prevailed in a long and tense shootout under the lights at a converted tennis court at the Foro Italico.

In the bronze medal match, 2007 winners Croatia defeated United States 8-6 with Samir Barac scoring two goals from three shots.

The U.S. retained the women's gold medal on Friday thanks to a 7-6 victory over Canada.