World Cup preparation: Debutant's match against Austria

The Italian national ice hockey team is preparing in Bolzano for the World Championship of the top division in Switzerland (starting May 15). A test match against Austria is scheduled for Thursday.

April 15, 2026

From: cst

Training will continue on Wednesday at the Sparkasse Arena in Bolzano-South, and on Thursday the team travels to Feldkirch. In Vorarlberg, the Blue Team will play a test match against Austria. Puck drop is at 19 p.m.

Neither team has all its international players available. Therefore, it could be difficult for the Azzurri. Several debuts Eight players are waiting for their first appearance for Italy, including the Nitz brothers, Gabriel and Raffael. They want to next season in Finland to take the next step towards professional ice hockey. But Ritten goalie Colin Furlong and Swiss-based player Pietro Olmo Albis (who plays for Ambri-Piotta) are also potential debutants. In addition, Dominik Obexer (Brixen), Fabian Gschliesser (Sterzing/Pustertal), Filippo Rigoni, Nicolas Porco (both Asiago), and Niccolò Mansueto (Sieders/Sierre), who plays in Switzerland, will be participating for the first time.

Filippo Rigoni has only played for the youth national teams so far. Now his debut for the senior national team is within reach. © MICHAL CHWIEDUK / MICHAL CHWIEDUK

After the match in Feldkirch, the Blue Team will first return to Bolzano. Next week, they will have a double-header in Angers against France. (Click here for complete World Cup preparations).

Keywords hockey Italy Austria Blue Team World Cup preparation