The superstars are waiting: Italy's special World Cup return

For the first time in four years, Italy is participating in an Ice Hockey World Championship, held in Finland. The stage for the Azzurri's return to the top tier of the sport couldn't be bigger.

15 May 2026

From: dl

On Saturday (4:20 pm/live on SportNewsItaly kicks off its World Championship campaign in Switzerland. The Blue Team held its first training session on Thursday at the Fribourg ice rink. The Azzurri face Canada right at the start, a true test of hockey's toughest challenge. Italy's squad It's still missing Damian Clara, who failed to advance from the NHL playoff quarterfinals with the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night and could soon fly there.

"It was a very intense month. I was pleased to see many new and young faces in the team. The test matches also provided interesting insights in terms of performance. It's a shame about our collapse in the final third on Tuesday in Varese against Great Britain. Nevertheless, we still feel that we can compete against teams of our caliber," said defender Peter Spornberger.

"I was pleased to see many new and young faces in the team." Peter Spornberger

For the 27-year-old from Ritten, this will be his third A-World Championship. In the fight to avoid relegation, Spornberger sees Slovenia as Italy's biggest rival: "We can definitely hold our own against them. Before that, we face some absolute top teams. It will be important to use these matches to build rhythm and improve details and combinations so that we are ready when the time is right."

Right away against the top team

At the World Championships in Switzerland, Canada, led by icon Sidney Crosby and rising star Macklin Celebrini, is considered the top favorite for gold based on its roster. The Canadians missed out on medals at the last two World Championships and had to settle for silver at this year's Olympics in Milan. With a blend of youth and experience, the record world champions now aim to return to the top and go for their 29th gold medal.

Old and young: Sidney Crosby (left) and Macklin Celebrini lead Canada's squad. © APA/afp / ANDERS WIKLUND

Head coach Misha Donskov can rely on veteran players like 38-year-old Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), who has already won everything there is to win. With Evan Bouchard (Edmonton Oilers), Team Canada boasts the NHL's highest-scoring defenseman by a wide margin and plenty of offensive firepower. 19-year-old Celebrini (San Jose Sharks) was the league's fourth-highest scorer with 115 points, followed by Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg Jets) in fifth place. Mathew Barzal (New York Islanders) and Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues) were also their teams' top scorers.

Italy's games at the World Cup

Saturday May 16 at 16.20 p.m
Italy – Canada

Sunday, May 17th at 4:20 pm
Italy – Slovakia

Tuesday, May 19th at 4:20 pm
Italy – Norway

Wednesday, May 20th at 4:20 pm
Italy – Czech Republic

Friday May 22 at 20.20 p.m
Italy – Sweden

Sunday, May 24th at 4:20 pm
Italy – Denmark

Monday, May 25th at 8:20 pm
Italy – Slovenia

> Here you can watch all World Cup matches live via stream.

Keywords hockey Ice Hockey World Championship Italy Canada