Azzurri after Japan victory: Joy yes, euphoria no

Italy kicked off the Division 1A World Championship with a comfortable victory in Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania, on Sunday. However, it was only the first small step on the road to potential promotion, so the Azzurri's euphoria was limited.

27 April 2025

From: leo

Japan was considered a dangerous underdog before the match – not least because the Asians had taken a point from the Blue Team at the World Cup last year. However, on this day, the team of Jarrod Skalde, who is well known in South Tyrol, had to accept lost 1-4 to the Azzurri.

In the Blue Team, Tommy Purdeller with two goals and a remarkable assist from the collective effort. "It was important that we score a goal right away. We succeeded," said the HC Pustertal striker after the match.

“I am happy.” Tommy Purdeller

He was responsible for this himself, scoring on the power play after just two and a half minutes. He added another in the second period before also setting up Daniel Tedesco's 4-0 goal. "I'm happy with how the game went. Happy for the team and happy for the win," the 21-year-old summed up.

Short interview with Tommy Purdeller:
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Also goalkeeper Davide Fadani delivered an excellent performance with a save percentage of almost 95 percent. "We played a good game. At the beginning of the middle period, we got into a bit of trouble due to a penalty. But immediately afterward, we managed to make it 3-0. That was the turning point," explained the 24-year-old. The game against Japan was the first of five finals.

To realize their dream of promotion, Jukka Jalonen’s team will also have to face Ukraine on Monday (11.30 a.m., live on SportNews-Ticker) can't afford any slip-ups. "We're aiming for the next victory," Purdeller concluded.