Italy's World Cup striker: 2 fighters and one disappointment

STRIKER Daniel Catenacci 5,5 Experienced an epidemic season at HC Pustertal with the exception of the start of the play-offs, but still made it into the World Cup squad. A personality that divides opinions. On the one hand, he demonstrated his bully strength and showed great commitment, but on the other hand, he completely disappeared in the games against Hungary and Slovenia. Confirmed what was already evident at the HCP: the best times are behind Dan Catenacci.

Tommaso De Luca 5,5 Came to Bolzano with a lot of praise, but was unable to confirm the performances shown by Ambrì-Piotta in the azure blue dress - also because he had to take on a different task than in his club. Acted too complicated and didn't score a goal of his own, which caused frustration to build up. With his technique, his wit and his skating skills, the 19-year-old will bring the “Blue Team” a lot of joy in the future.

Ivan Deluca 6 You couldn't expect miracles from Sterzinger. Completed the task that Pelino asked of him. Worked in the corners in the 4th forward line, used his body skillfully in front of the opponent's goal, but was sometimes overwhelmed by the pace. He hardly appeared offensively, but that also had to do with the defensive orientation of his line. Not a difference player, but a fighter you like to have on your team.

Daniel Frank played a strong home World Cup.

Daniel Frank 7,5 At the end of the tournament, he was named one of the three best players in Italy – and rightly so. The HCB captain scored 3 goals and assisted 3 times, impressed with unexpected technical qualities, harmonized brilliantly with his club colleagues Luca Frigo and Daniel Mantenuto and was the driving force behind the entire team. Reeled out his program tirelessly and was a constant when he was outnumbered. At 2 years old, in the best shape of his life.

Luca Frigo 7 The striker who received the most playing time. This was mainly due to the special teams, in which he played a key role. Needed some time to get going at the start of the tournament, but after the overtime goal against Japan the knot broke. Like Frank, he scored 5 points (2 goals). An all-rounder who can use his delicate technique as well as his tackling skills and is irreplaceable in Italy's selection.

Dustin Gazley 5 Debuted for the national team at the tender age of 35 and was supposed to set the offensive pace. Despite 3 scorer points, his performance was a complete disappointment. He was too fond of the puck, kept getting stuck on the opponent with his hooks and didn't have any brilliant ideas at 5-on-5 or in the power play. His genius, which is known from his achievements at HCB, was sought in vain. The first and possibly last appearance for Italy.

Diego Kostner 6,5 Returned to the national team after a sabbatical year. Proved why he has been playing in the top Swiss league for over 10 years: Conquered countless pucks, went where it hurts and also made a big offensive contribution, as evidenced by 3 goals. Was an important starting point in the power play as a so-called “bumper” in the slot. The only drawback: the suboptimal interaction with his club colleague De Luca.

You can rely on Daniel Mantenuto (left) and Luca Frigo. © Valentina Gallina/FISG

Daniel Mantenuto 7,5 With Frank the best striker in Italy's ranks. Looked like he had been bitten by a tarantula, was used in all game situations and impressed with his agility. More offensive than the HCB and, in contrast to other dual nationals, put heart and soul into it. Had the best plus-minus statistics of all strikers at +6 and fired the most shots on the opponent's goal (21). An underrated star with no airs and graces.

Matthias Mantinger 6 His 2nd World Cup ended for the Kalter whirlwind without any goal participation. Last season he was more accurate than ever in the service of HC Pustertal. The lack of trust from Pelino (he only played 11 minutes per game) undoubtedly contributed to the difficulties. As always, the 28-year-old could not be denied his commitment. His speed remains a rare commodity in domestic ice hockey.

Michele Marchetti 6,5 Genius and madness: He made some inexplicable mistakes, but made up for them with his offensive power. No Italian player combines speed and a certain degree of brutality as well as the Fassan player. Collected 5 points (2 goals) despite only averaging 13 minutes of ice time. A modern player who may have attracted interested parties in this country with the good World Cup.

Tommy Purdeller 6 Played with adults again after 2 years of junior ice hockey. He didn't allow himself to be intimidated by his opponents and sometimes reached out when the situation required it. His offensive qualities are undisputed and will continue to improve as his career progresses. But he had a lot of trouble in his own zone, which is why his attack line was often restricted. As with De Luca and Clara, the future belongs to Purdeller.

Anthony Salinitri 6 Also scored 5 points, but there is one big but: The former Asiago crack, like his strike partners Catenacci and Gazeley, remained pale against Slovenia and Hungary. And he inexplicably failed to hit the empty goal in overtime against the Hungarians. If this chance had gone through, Italy would probably be in the top division now. His class is undisputed. Unfortunately, he only flashed them sporadically.

TRAINER Mike Pelino 5 He quickly stepped into the breach for Mike Keenan as head coach and, in contrast to his predecessor, was well received by the players with his open manner. However, the sporting balance looks negative: the non-functioning power play is his responsibility, as is the passive system that was the “Blue Team’s” downfall against Slovenia. Pelinio has to admit to mistakes in the draft.

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Italy's World Cup striker: 2 fighters and one disappointment

The home World Cup in Bolzano has been history for a few days. So it's high time to take a closer look at the individual players. In the second part we evaluated Italy's striker and the coach.

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