The Azzurri face Switzerland. © ANSA / FAZRY ISMAIL

Against the "Ice Confederates" for a quarter-final ticket

The first four quarterfinalists in the men's ice hockey tournament at the Milan Olympics have already been determined. The remaining four teams will be decided in the round of 16 on Tuesday.

February 15, 2026

From: kp

In addition to the three group winners, Canada, Slovakia, and the USA, Finland, the best second-place team, also qualified for the quarterfinals. Eight teams still have a chance of reaching the playoffs. A ranking was created among these teams after the preliminary round. Switzerland leads this ranking, followed by Germany, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Latvia, France, and Italy.

The Blue Team, like France, earned zero points and also had the same goal difference of -15. Nevertheless, the Azzurri had to concede first place to the French because they had scored one more goal (5:20 to 4:19).

As a player in Swiss football, Tommaso De Luca is familiar with the high level of play among the Swiss. © APA/afp / JULIEN DE ROSA

This means that Italy will face Switzerland on Tuesday. Despite Kevin Fiala's injury and subsequent early exit from the Olympics, the Swiss have made a strong impression so far and are clear favorites against the host nation. Switzerland's roster includes five players from Swiss leagues: Diego Kostner (injured), Tommaso De Luca (both HC Ambri-Piotta), Davide Fadani (Kloten), Giovanni Morini, and Marco Zanetti (both Lugano).

Germany faces a manageable task against France and has a good chance of reaching the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Sweden will battle Latvia and the Czech Republic will face Denmark for a place in the quarterfinals. The kickoff times for the four round of 16 matches are not yet known.