Italy has no chance against Sweden

After their historic opening victory against France, Italy's women's ice hockey team suffered the expected setback at the Milan Olympics. The Azzurre were unable to secure a win against Sweden, but there was still a positive event from a South Tyrolean perspective.

February 07, 2026

From: dl

Forty-eight hours after their 4-1 opening victory against France, Eric Bouchard's team suffered a predictable 1-6 defeat against favored Sweden on Saturday in front of over 10.000 spectators in Milan. Sweden is ranked sixth in the world with 3.730 points, eleven places or 685 points ahead of Italy.

The Swedish team is very young, with only Anna Kjellbin and Lisa Johansson older than 27, and very much influenced by North American players: seven come from the NCAA league and four from the PWHL, while twelve play in the national championship. The Azzurre fought hard, but the difference in skill level was particularly noticeable in the second period.

Franziska Stocker scores against her Swedish teammates

Five South Tyrolean players were again on the Blue Team roster for the game against Sweden. While Manuela Heidenberger missed a good chance just under two minutes before the first intermission, Franziska Stocker was successful: The Swedish-based player scored with a well-placed, somewhat obscured shot in the second period to make it 1-3.

Italy had their work cut out for them defensively against Sweden. © APA/afp / JULIEN DE ROSA

The tension dissipated quickly, however, as Sweden restored their two-goal lead just a minute later. This is Stocker's fourth year playing in Sweden overall – this year in the second division. For the 28-year-old from Leifers, who made her debut for Italy 12 years ago, it was certainly a special goal.

The Azzurre's goal is to reach the quarterfinals. To achieve this, they must finish in the top three of Group B. Two crucial matches against Japan and Germany are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.

Italy – Sweden 1:6

Italy: Fedel (Durante); Mattivi-Stocker, Lobis-Fortino, Guerriero-Varano, Pierri; Reyes-Fantin-Abataneglo, Roccella-Della Rovere-Caumo, Heidenberger-Tutino-Mazzocchi, Kaneppele-Niccolai-Banafini, Saletta.
Coach: Bouchard

Sweden: Svensson (Soderberg); Jungaker-Nylen, Raunino-Kjellbin, Adolfsson-Karlsson, Andersson; Svensson-Olsson-Thea Johansson, Lisa Johansson-Hjalmarsson-Thuvik, Hallin-Lundin-Bouveng, Wikner-Ljunblom-Hall, Hedqvist.
Coach: Lundberg

Gates: 0:1 Adolfsson (09.50), 0:2 Lundin (29.36), 0:3 Hjalmarsson (31.47), 1:3 Stocker (33.30), 1:4 Olsson (34.39), 1:5 Johansson (46.53), 1:6 Johansson (54.32)

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