Blue team loses defensive battle

The four-nation tournament in memory of Michele Bolognini, who succumbed to cancer about a year ago, is taking place for the first time this year. Italy will face Hungary, Slovenia and South Korea, which will also face Italy at the B World Cup in Great Britain. At the start, Mike Keenan's team faced what was supposed to be the toughest game: the Azzurri put in a convincing performance against Slovenia, but ultimately lost 0-1 after extra time due to a faux pas by Daniel Frank.

Keenan had numerous players unavailable due to cancellations and the Italian championship taking place at the same time - there was a particular need for the center position. The Canadian solved this problem with creativity. He placed Daniel Frank and Fassa crack Stephan Deluca as center forwards, who do not play this role in their respective clubs. While they made a positive impression, just like the lively Lugano crack Marco Zanetti, Anthony Salinitri's eagerly awaited debut in an azure blue dress fell somewhat short of expectations. There also needs to be a lot more from Brandon McNally.

Overall, the home team left a good impression. The only drawback was the exploitation of opportunities: Luca Frigo & Co. created a lot of opportunities, especially in the first third, but did not capitalize on them. Slovenia's goalkeeper Gasper Kroselj, who saved several times in dire need, played a big part in this. Things continue for the Keenan team on Friday, when the game against Hungary starts at 17.30:XNUMX p.m. The highlights Furious start Italy started like the fire department, but didn't reward themselves with a goal: First Luca Frigo missed a penalty, then Ivan Deluca and Simon Berger also lacked the necessary coolness. Slovenia is getting better In the middle third, Matjaz Kopitar's team stepped up a gear, gained advantages, but acted too playfully in front of Andreas Bernard. KAC crack Rok Ricar loses the puck while going solo. Boredom After the first section, Italy didn't manage much: Daniel Glira & Co. were secure at the back, but they were hardly able to attack. The final spurt A few minutes before the end, Italy's attack awakens. First Ivan Deluca has the winning goal on his stick, then Thomas Larkin becomes dangerous in the power play. It's going into overtime. Frank's misfires Phil Pietroniro hits the edge of the goal with his direct shot in the power play. Shortly afterwards, Frank loses the puck behind the goal, paving the way for Rok Ticar's winning goal. Italy – Slovenia 0:1 aet Italy: Bernard (Vallini); Miglioranzi-Larkin, Spornberger-Pietroniro, Glira-Gios, March-Ginnetti; Salinitri-Morini-Hannoun; Frigo-Frank-Tedesco, Marchetti-Stephan Deluca-McNally; Ivan Deluca-Berger-Zanetti. Trainer: Keenan

Slovenia: Kroselj (Pintaric); Magovac-Gregorc, Podlipnik-Cepon, Stebih-Pavlin, Crnovic-Podrekar; Ograjensek-Ticar-Kuralt, Kapel-Tomazevic-Simsic, Pance-Cimzar-Storm, Maver-Sodja-Koblar. Trainer: Kopitar

Gates: 0:1 Ticar (63.15)

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Four Nations Tournament in Bolzano: Hungary – South Korea 4:1 Goals: 1:0 Mihaly (7.25), 2:0 Sofron (11.11), 2:1 Lee (37.07), 3:1 Bartalis (49.53), 4:1 Stipsicz (51.13) Audience: 43

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Blue team loses defensive battle

At the start of the four-nation tournament in Bolzano, around 250 spectators in the Sparkasse Arena saw a good performance from Italy. However, this was not enough to defeat stubborn Slovenians.

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