Italy U20 wins overtime thriller

Without North American ace Tommy Purdeller, the Azzurri quietly lost their opening game against Ukraine 0-4 on Sunday. 24 hours later, Damian Clara & Co. met Japan and were able to count on Purdeller's services - even though the 18-year-old had played a game with the Petersborough Petes in Canada on Sunday. The Puster player immediately took control of the game in the 3-2 win after extra time and shone with two assists.

The fact that Italy left the ice as winners after 60 minutes was somewhat flattering. The De Bettin team received far too many penalty minutes and also failed to capitalize on seven power plays. Ultimately, the team, which consisted of eleven South Tyroleans and goalkeeper Damian Clara stood out, was rewarded for their great effort.

Starter start The game in the city of 170 people got off to a perfect start. Filippo Rigoni (Asiago) gave Italy the lead with a hidden long-range shot in the 000th minute. Kaito Okubo equalized a few turns later after a counterattack, before a turbulent middle third followed: the referees awarded eight penalties in this one, but neither team knew how to properly use the advantages. It wasn't until Alan Lobis and Alessandro Segafredo were sitting in the cooler together that a goal was scored. Junya Owa's shot from the blue line skilfully blocked Clara's view.

In the final third, the Azzurri pushed for an equalizer - but without creating any compelling chances. But with a minute and a half to go they were still able to celebrate. Leo Messner from HC Gherdëina shot from a tight angle without hesitation, surprising Japan goalie Issa Tamura, who didn't cut a good figure. It went into extra time, where Clara first canceled out a solo effort - and a short time later saw Alessandro Segafredo decide the game. The striker, who is active in Switzerland, benefited from wonderful preparatory work from Cortina crack Enrico Larcher. Now the Azzurri can take a breather for a day before their next game against South Korea on Wednesday (13 p.m.).

Italy – Japan 3:2 aet Goals: 1:0 Rigoni (3.43), 1:1 Okubo (8.38), 1:2 Owa (39.22), 2:2 Messner (58.31), 3:2 Segafredo (63.43)

The table Pos Country Points 1. Ukraine 6 2. Japan 4 3. South Korea 3 4. Poland 2 5. Italy 2 6. Estonia 1

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Italy U20 wins overtime thriller

Italy's U20 national team achieved its first victory at the World Cup in the 1B division in Bytom, Poland. For a long time it looked as if their opponent Japan would have the upper hand.

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