Old hopes, new philosophy: Zisser delivers World Cup outlook

In the following interview, Zisser talks about his impressions, expectations and goals as well as about the test matches, call-ups and the many dual citizens.

What is your verdict on the three test matches? "The intensity and commitment were appropriate for most of the players. Unfortunately, their usual weaknesses in scoring goals were confirmed in the two matches against Poland and the last match against Slovenia. Furthermore, individual carelessness crept in again and again, which is punished mercilessly at this level."

How are you feeling before the first puck drops in Romania? "I have mixed feelings and am torn. I'm full of hope and expectation that the players will be able to implement what they've practiced and learned in the last meetings and training sessions in the five games. A good start would be crucial. Whether it will ultimately be enough for promotion, I don't know."

The new boss of the gang: Jukka Jalonen © Vanna Antonello

What has changed since the World Cup at home in Bolzano a year ago? "Among other things, we changed coaches. Jukka Jalonen's approach is different from that of his predecessors. His motto is: You can only win if you're a team. And: The players have to enjoy coming to the national team and feel comfortable there. Under Mike Keenan, it was too strenuous for some players, which is why they declined the call-up. The working method has also changed. Under Jalonen, there is only one training session a day. He primarily focuses on harmony and places great emphasis on statistics. He benefits from the meticulous analysis of his assistant Stefan Mair. Tactically, a lot has changed as well. In addition, some new players have joined the team, while others have matured and have more experience than they did a year ago."

There are twelve Italians in the 23-man World Cup squad: What is your opinion on these dual citizens? "Dual nationals have played an important role for many years. As a player, I've had positive experiences with them: They've influenced me on and off the ice. You can take your opinion of them however you want: positively or negatively. Jalonen wanted to bring the best possible team to Sfantu Gheorghe. In his eyes, the dual nationals are better, especially on special teams, than the native players, who often identify less with their Italian heritage than some Italians." “Locals often identify less with Italy’s past than many Italians.” Stefan Zisser A few years ago, the association decided to allow seven dual nationals to compete at a World Cup. Why did they scrap this rule? "Injuries, limited ice time, or poor performances at the clubs heavily influenced the decision to take more than seven Italians to the World Cup. Andreas Bernard, Gianluca Vallini, Enrico Miglioranzi, Daniel Frank, Michele Marchetti, Giovanni Morini, and Tommaso De Luca were originally high on our list, but for various reasons, they didn't make the World Cup squad. In the end, Italians, in particular, were preferred in their place."

Italy aims to advance to the top division. Who will be their toughest opponents in Sfantu Gheorghe? "First, we have to become a team. If we succeed in doing that, a lot is possible. I expect a very evenly matched World Cup. There are no easy opponents. We saw that a year ago in Bolzano. Besides, a lot can happen in five games within seven days."

How important would it be to return to the World Group? "Promotion to the top division would be of great importance, especially with regard to the Olympic Games next year in our own country. A World Cup is also much more attractive than second-tier title fights."

What do you know about opening opponents Japan? "The Japanese squad is comprised of strong and technically skilled skaters who perform with high intensity. They are a very difficult opponent, and we should not underestimate them. A year ago, we won 4-3 in overtime. Coach Jarrod Skalde knows many of our players from his time in Merano. Furthermore, Riku Ishida and Teruto Nakajima, two players who recently wore the Merano jersey, are likely to be on the Asian squad."

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Old hopes, new philosophy: Zisser delivers World Cup outlook

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