Tommy Purdeller & Co. are aiming for their first points. © Vanna Antonello

Italy faces Norway: "Avoid highs and lows"

After two games, Italy's national ice hockey team is without a point and with a goal difference of 1:10 at the World Championship in Fribourg. The Azzurri want to improve this record on Tuesday when they face Norway in their third group game. Tommy Purdeller knows what's at stake.

19 May 2026

From Fribourg

Italy's relegation rivals Slovenia started the World Championship with an overtime victory against the Czech Republic, noticeably increasing the pressure on Jukka Jalonen's team. They desperately need points – and ideally before their final match against their eastern neighbors. The newly promoted team's next opportunity comes on Tuesday when the Azzurri face Norway at 4:20 PM.

“I think we did well against Canada. The second game against Slovakia, however, was unfortunately a bit disappointing. They're not an opponent we have to beat. But we could have stolen some points,” Purdeller reflects on the first two games. “In that game, we made decisions too slowly, hesitated, and created too few chances. Moreover, at this level, every little mistake is immediately punished.”

Young, wild Norwegians

The HC Pustertal forward has a recipe for success against Norway. "We need to play simpler hockey, skate a lot, minimize mistakes, and work even harder. If each of us does these four things, we have a good chance against Norway," said Purdeller.

Tommy Purdeller will write. © Vanna Antonello

The Scandinavians, who have played continuously in the top division since 2006, began the tournament with a narrow 1-2 defeat against Slovakia before defeating the aforementioned Slovenians 4-0. The third-youngest team in the World Championship now aims to follow up with another win against Italy to make their dream of reaching their first quarterfinal since 2012 a reality. Petter Thoresen's team lacks a big star, but boasts numerous young talents with NHL potential. The most well-known name in South Tyrol is that of Christian Kåsastul, who played defense for HC Pustertal in the 2023/24 season.

“I expect a strong Norwegian team that skates a lot and fights hard. We have to play our game for 60 minutes and avoid any ups and downs,” Purdeller stated, outlining the team's strategy. The game at the BCF Arena starts at 4:20 p.m. and will be officiated by SportNews again accompanied by a live ticker.