Golden Chance: Will the Azzurre open the door to the quarter-finals?

The match between hosts Italy and Japan is already crucial. The winner would take a big step towards reaching the quarterfinals. Ultimately, the top three teams in Group B will qualify for the playoffs.

February 09, 2026

From: kp

While Sweden is the only team still undefeated and seems out of reach for the competition, and France is already out of the running, three teams are fighting for the last two free places.

Yesterday's scheduled ice training was cancelled. Nadia Mattivi and her teammates recharged their batteries with light off-ice training to prepare for today's crucial game. "I'm sure the girls can bring all the good things we saw in their debut game back onto the ice. We don't intend to change our system to adapt to any opponent. We have great respect for Japan. The team's goal is to win this game and go as far as possible. We lost against Sweden, but you can learn from situations like that, even when you're on the losing end. I hope my players can build on their performance from the first period against Sweden," said Italy's national coach, Eric Bouchard.

A dangerous opponent

Japan is participating in the Olympic Games for the fourth consecutive time, having finished sixth in Beijing four years ago. Defenders Shiori Koike and Ayaka Hitosato, as well as forward Rui Ukita, have been part of the team every year. Hitosato, Haruka Toko, and sisters Akane and Aoi Shigamilitano play in the Swedish Hockey League (SDHL).

Anna Caumo & Co. aim for the quarterfinals. © APA/afp / JULIEN DE ROSA

Italy and Japan faced each other twice last August in Torre Pellice, with the Asian team narrowly winning both matches (3-2 and 4-3). In Milan, Japan started the tournament with a 3-2 victory against France before suffering a 2-5 defeat against Germany.

Keywords hockey National teams Italian Japan