Before the start of the World Cup: “The pressure is great”

In the following interview, Italy's sports director Stefan Zisser gives an outlook on the tournament, explains the goalkeeper decision, talks about the worst opponents and the home advantage.

“What’s the mood like in the team?”

Stefan Zisser: “The mood in the team is good, although the two test matches this week against Hungary (5:6) and South Korea (4:3 nV) were a warning signal at hopefully the right time for everyone. Everyone should now be aware that the challenge is great and that everyone has to give their all and stay focused for the entire 60 minutes.” Italy suffered a painful defeat in the friendly against Hungary. © Photo Max Pattis

Are all players healthy?

“Luckily we don’t have any injured or sick players and we can field our best team in the opening game against Romania on Sunday.”

What do you know about opening opponents Romania and what do you expect?

“We celebrated a clear victory in Nottingham a year ago. But I can still remember that Romania played on equal terms at times and also challenged us. There are some new, naturalized players, so we definitely shouldn't underestimate Romania. Also because the Romanian league is on the upswing. It would be important to take the lead. In addition, a good start would be of great importance for the further course of the World Cup.”

“We must not underestimate Romania under any circumstances.” Stefan Zisser, sports director Damian Clara arrived in South Tyrol on Saturday night. Which of the 3 other goalkeepers will be left out of the squad?

“After long consultations, we decided not to have Jacob Smith at the World Cup. It wasn't an easy decision. After all, all three goalies deserved to be there. Gianluca Vallini, on the other hand, will be given the role of emergency goalkeeper. This means that he will only be used if Damian Clara or Andreas Bernard are injured or are unavailable due to illness.”

Damian Clara strengthens Italy at the home World Cup. © André Ringuette

What is your verdict on the 3 test matches in the last 7 days?

“After the positive signals we received in the two games against France, we had a harder time than expected due to individual inattention. Unfortunately, we also played quite undisciplined and took too many penalties. But there were also some positive things. The team never gave up and fought back against both Hungary and South Korea. In addition, some moves have already worked very well.”

Italy wants to move up to the top division. Who will be the worst opponents on the way there?

“I think that Slovenia and Hungary will be our strongest opponents. But we shouldn't underestimate the other three teams either. Japan and South Korea have very strong and lively players. But Romania will also know how to defend itself. If we want to move up, everything has to be right. After all, mistakes at this level are punished mercilessly. In any case, the pressure is great.”

How important will home advantage be?

“This one is very important. I hope that a lot of spectators come to the games: the more spectators, the better for us. After all, the fans are our 7th player on the ice.”

Is there a bonus for the players if they are promoted?

"Yes. If promotion works, the players can look forward to a sizeable bonus. They would have earned this.”

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Before the start of the World Cup: “The pressure is great”

30 years after the A-World Cup, Bolzano will once again be the scene of title fights from Sunday. This time it is the World Cup in the I. Division Group A. Italy meets Romania at the start.

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