Discussion about the World Cup squad: This is how the players were chosen

In the following interview, sports director Stefan Zisser talks about the World Cup team, the criteria for putting it together and individual hardship cases.

Why was the World Cup squad not announced until after the 5th test match next Wednesday in Neumarkt against South Korea?

Stefan Zisser: We didn't want to wait until the end to announce the World Cup squad, but rather bring security to the team. Because the majority of the players had already been in the training camp for more than a week, we had the opportunity to announce the final squad after just three test matches. Now we can tackle the last two test matches in Meran and Neumarkt with the full World Cup team; this can grow even closer together in the next 3 days."

What did you and the coaching staff attach particular importance to when putting together the World Cup squad?

First and foremost, we wanted to create a healthy mix of experience and youthful carefreeness. For us, there were several criteria that played a role in putting together the team. The past season made it possible for the players to come to camp. There we watched how each player trained and played. The bottom line is that performance during the season and in camp was crucial. We also paid attention to the physical component and also had the possible lines in mind.

As sports director, Stefan Zisser is primarily responsible for Italy's national team.

9 players were left out of the squad at the last moment. Were there also cases of hardship?

For me, the hardest part of my job is cutting players from the squad and then telling them. For some of them there was very little that was missing for them to make it into the squad. That's why the decision wasn't easy for us and, as every year, there were some hardship cases. While some players expected this, the cut came as a surprise to others.

More than half of the players called up come from the three ICE clubs HC Pustertal (3), HC Bozen (6) and Asiago (5). With Pascal Brunner, Leonardo Felicetti, Dante Hannoun, Lorenzo Casetti, Gregorio Gios and Giordano Finoro, six ICE players were also omitted at the last moment. What was the deciding factor for this?

When putting together the squad, we didn't pay attention to which team or league someone played in. For us, the only thing that mattered was performance. These 6 players didn't convince us as much as others who played in a weaker league.

How high do you think the chances are that Damian Clara can still jump on the World Cup bandwagon?

Things are looking good at the moment. Finally, Brynäs also won the third final game against Djurgarden on Sunday (3:6) and is only one win away from the championship title. If the Allsvenskan is finished by the 3th game on Friday, then Damian could go to the World Cup in Bolzano. With Andreas Bernard, Jacob Smith and Gianluca Vallini we currently have 5 goalkeepers. If Damian doesn't come, one of this trio will be available as an emergency goalie.

Anthony Salinitri has not played any of the 3 previous friendly matches, but is one of 8 dual nationals in the World Cup squad. How is something like this possible?

Salinitri played a pretty good season and scored a lot of goals in both Graz (17) and Stavanger (9). He came to camp late because he was in the play-off in Norway. He was supposed to play against South Korea on Saturday, but had to miss because he was taking his final exam for his studies at the same time. The center forward has been completely convincing in camp so far.

Marco Zanetti, Dante Hannoun and Leonardo Felicetti were the three goalscorers from Saturday's game against South Korea who were sent home. Irony of fate, right?

Exactly. It's not the first time something like this has happened. Simon Berger, for example, was named best player at the World Cup dress rehearsal against Great Britain two years ago and then left out of the squad. If you look at the overall package of the three players mentioned, it wasn't good enough to fight for a place in the World Cup.

Another word about the performance of the U18 team at the World Cup in Division I Group B in Tallinn: How big is the disappointment after relegation?

The disappointment is of course huge. The team started the tournament with a win and could have won the second game. After the third game, factors came into play that influenced the team's performance. Due to a gastrointestinal virus, only 2 field players were available. We lose 3 years due to relegation. I feel sorry for the boys: this deprives them of the opportunity to play at a higher level. We will analyze the situation carefully. But there will be consequences and changes.

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Discussion about the World Cup squad: This is how the players were chosen

At 1.30:23 a.m. on Sunday night, the XNUMX players who will take part in the home World Cup in Bolzano with Italy's national team were announced. The convocations provide material for discussion.

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