World Cup ratings | From convincing to disappointing strikers

The second part of the big World Cup report is dedicated to SportNews the strikers. One player stood out from the crowd, while others left much to be desired.

striker Luca Frigo 5,5 One of the best World Cup strikers of recent years had a particularly tough time under Jalonen. Only Marco Zanetti received less ice time than the 31-year-old – even though he had just completed the best season of his career with the HCB. He stayed off the court both on the power play and when shorthanded. The striker's relief was all the greater when he opened the scoring against Romania, thus initiating the team's promotion.

Mikael Frycklund experienced a bitter World Cup. © Vanna Antonello

Mikael Frycklund 7 The unlucky player of this World Cup: The number one center started with three assists against Japan, narrowly missed scoring the winning goal with a shot that hit the post in overtime against Ukraine, before breaking his ankle seconds later. The Italian team lacked a clever pass distributor, his face-off prowess, and his physical presence everywhere. The Italian-Swede has earned his promotion like no other.

Alex Ierullo 5,5 He collected 85 points over the past two seasons with Asiago, but fell far short of his expectations and potential at his first World Cup in the azure blue jersey. After scoring in the opening game against Japan, the 27-year-old didn't have much going for him – even on the power play. He possesses a bright mind and high game intelligence, but his physical deficiencies are becoming apparent at this level.

Dustin Gazley 6,5 After Jalonen traded him for Daniel Mantenuto and Luca Frigo, he showed signs of his potential. Four assists isn't a bad record—and yet, more is to be expected from a player of his caliber. He was often too playful in front of the opposing goal, looking for a nice pass when a shot would have been a better alternative. At 36, he's still one of the most elegant skaters. He didn't always perform well defensively.

Diego Kostner 6,5 The Ambrì veteran played a unique tournament. He didn't manage a single point on the fourth line, yet the 32-year-old was named one of the tournament's three best Azzurri. The reason is simple: As a so-called "shutdown center," he manages to take the wind out of his opponents' sails. He wins one-on-ones along the boards, is a force in shorthanded situations, and knows how to hold his own at the face-off spot. Every coach's dream.

Daniel Mantenuto improved as the tournament progressed.

Daniel Mantenuto 6 His forward line of Frigo and Gazley initially lacked much. However, the Italian-Canadian improved over the course of the tournament, troubling his opponents with his unpleasant, aggressive style of play. Playing shorthanded, he was a force on defense, and he scored two goals on offense. He has been an integral part of the national team for four years, even though his past season with HC Bolzano was anything but exhilarating.

Matthias Mantinger 6 Even in his third World Cup, the native of Kaltern was denied a goal. Despite making technical errors, losing pucks, and missing good opportunities, Jalonen repeatedly sent him back to the ice because he has other persuasive qualities: He blocks shots, brings pace to the game, always gives 100 percent, and leads with his body language. His first goal in the azure blue jersey is only a matter of time.

Bryce Misley 6,5 The best member of the so-called Asiago line, which included Nick Saracino and Ierullo. He was Italy's best face-off player with a 49,32 percent percentage, was used on the power play, and collected four points (two goals) at his first World Cup. He took advantage of his opportunities, although he made one or two too many individual errors. Curiously, he had the worst plus record of all players at Asiago (-28), and the best of the Italian team at the World Cup (+5).

Tommy Purdeller showed his quality.

Tommy Purdeller 7 After failing to score in his World Cup debut last year, he scored twice in the opening match against Japan. He subsequently suffered greatly from the absence of Mikael Frycklund, as Jalonen increasingly deployed him as a center. This role required more defensive work from the 21-year-old, which meant he played less often up front. With two goals and three assists, it was a successful World Cup for the Pustertal talent.

Nick Saracino 5,5 As in the playoffs with HC Bolzano, he remained incomplete. While his physical power is a rare commodity among Italian strikers, this strength cannot conceal his weaknesses. Inaccurate passes, missed opportunities, and a lack of pace hampered his teammates. At 33, he's no longer the youngest – and it shows. He collected all three assists at his World Cup against the already relegated Romanians.

Daniel Tedesco 8 He once played in the Italian Hockey League (IHL). Now he's Italy's most dangerous striker. His uncanny instinct for goal often put him in the right position, his creativity posed significant problems for his opponents, and his whirlwind style of play caused unrest. Four goals, four assists, the most ice time of any player – Tedesco was Italy's star at this World Cup. The interest of domestic clubs is likely to have grown even more.

Marco Zanetti scored two goals.

Marco Zanetti 6,5 He also scored twice in his second World Championship. The lively Lugano striker was only used by Jalonen for ten minutes per game. But when he was on the ice, he served the team and performed excellently. He would thrive in a larger role, as the 23-year-old has everything modern ice hockey demands: speed, a good shot, and technical skill.

> Read the evaluation of the coaches, goalkeepers and defenders here.

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World Cup ratings | From convincing to disappointing strikers

The Division 1A World Championship in Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania, ended with Italy's national team being promoted. So, it's time to take stock. Who was able to shine for the Azzurri, and who fell short of expectations?

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