Rough diamond Villi Pisetta scored twice for the Cavaliers. © Vanna Antonello

In Val Gardena: The lower-lying area makes a bold statement.

The Unterland Cavaliers celebrated a clear test match victory against AlpsHL champion HC Gherdëina in front of over 1.000 spectators.

August 20, 2026

From: dl

The Cavs won the AlpsHL derby 6-1 away from home. After just half an hour, the score was already 5-0 for the Crusaders from southern South Tyrol, who underwent a major overhaul this summer. The very young and newly formed team has to manage this year without established players like Tizian Giovanelli and former captain Tobias Brighenti.

New signing Hugo Engelaar put Unterland ahead in the Pranives Stadium in Wolkenstein after less than two minutes. The 24-year-old scored twice, as did 19-year-old homegrown talent Villi Pisetta, who once again demonstrated his talent. Fellow newcomers Patrick Mazzarini and Miiro Linjala, who arrived from Finland, also got on the scoresheet.

Gröden had won both of their previous preseason games. Only Sebastiano Soracreppa's consolation goal in the final period offered any damage limitation. For the defending champions, this was their first clear setback – but probably at the right time.