The balance: Who was Italy's biggest surprise

The team of new coach Jukka Jalonen returned home from the Hungarian capital on Sunday afternoon. After their return, Stefan Zisser, the manager of the Italian national teams, spoke about…:

…the 3rd tournament victory in a row in Budapest:

"You play ice hockey to win. When you win, it's always satisfying. But these results in November don't count for much. They're good for morale. We only had two training sessions before the first game. Despite this, the players responded well to the instructions and implemented what the coaching staff wanted. But you also have to look at the opponent you're playing against."

…the game against Slovenia:

"We had the game against a very young and inexperienced Slovenian team, which only had 5 World Cup participants, in our hands from the 6th minute. Because we didn't convert our chances well, we 'only' won 2-0."

…the game against Hungary:

"Hungary was similar to us, almost completely. The game was harder and our performance was better. The power play worked well and we deserved to win in the end."

Italy had a strong tournament.

…the game against Poland:

"Only 3 players from the Olympic qualifiers were in Poland's squad and there were many new faces. We always had the game in our hands, but through our own fault we made it closer than it was. Because the tournament victory was already certain, the players lacked the necessary consistency, but in the end they still found a way to win."

…the performance of the “Azzurri” in general:

"There was a high rhythm in all three games. The players were aggressive, ran a lot and also went into the corners. Their commitment and work ethic were commendable. The special teams worked well. The discipline was also good. After all, we only received 3 penalty minutes in the three games."

…the performances of the two goalkeepers:

"Damian Clara is going through a difficult moment at the moment; it is not easy for him at Färjestad. Nevertheless, he held on well against Slovenia and Poland and contributed to the two victories. Davide Fadani was strong against Hungary and thwarted some quick counterattacks." “Matthias Mantinger surprised us all.” Stefan Zisser … the performances of the 9 South Tyrolean players:

"In addition to Damian Clara, the two veterans Alex Trivellato and Daniel Glira also did their job satisfactorily in defense. But the young Peter Spornberger and Patrick Demetz also played solidly. Demetz didn't fight for his place at the World Cup, but he didn't throw it away either. In attack, 20-year-old Tommy Purdeller and Daniel Gellon, who is three years older, were a confirmation. Purdeller scored the two important goals against Hungary. His technique in tight spaces is impressive. Gellon produced a lot and, like Purdeller, collected three points. Matthias Mantinger surprised us all. He was actually only intended as a reserve player and impressed across the board. Diego Kostner, on the other hand, was one of the best strikers."

…the achievements of the new dual citizens Mikael Frycklund, Alex Ierullo, Nick Saracino and Diego Cuglietta:

"Mikael Frycklund was very positive and played very well. The Italian-Swede is a real leader. Alex Ierullo sustained an adductor injury in the final training session and did not play. Nick Saracino showed some good approaches. Everything he did made sense. Diego Cuglietta was a surprise. He kept up well and created a lot in the offense. I can proudly say that no player made a bad impression."

Tommy Purdeller, Italy's rising star.

…the debut of coach Jukka Jalonen:

"His approach is different from that of his predecessors. Jalonen attaches great importance to the national team being a positive experience for the players. That was not always the case in the past. He is very professional and has clear ideas. Every player has his role and is important in the team. Team spirit is paramount. The entire coaching team has done an excellent job."

…the upcoming tasks:

"On December 12th and 13th we will probably play against Hungary twice in South Tyrol. A 2-nation tournament is planned in Poland in February, although the venue has not yet been decided. In addition to the host, our opponents will again be Hungary and Slovenia."

…the World Cup of the I. Division Group A next spring in Romania:

"The goal is to return to the top group, as was the case this year in Bolzano. We know that the process will lead to the goal. In order to move up, everything has to fit together. But I'm confident that we can do it."

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The balance: Who was Italy's biggest surprise

Italy's men's national ice hockey team repeated its tournament victory from the past two years at the "Sarkozy Tamas Memorial Tournament" in Budapest. Sports director Stefan Zisser looks back on this week in an extensive interview.

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