Italy challenges Germany.

A blockbuster before the Olympics: Azzurri test themselves against Germany

Before things get serious next Wednesday with their first group match at the Olympic Games in Milan, Italy's ice hockey team will play their final test match. The Azzurri will face Germany in Bolzano on Wednesday (7:30 p.m.).

February 04, 2026

From: leo

In the current Olympic season, Italy has faced off against nations like Poland, Slovenia, and Hungary in numerous test matches. Even before the Winter Games begin, the level of difficulty will increase significantly – despite the fact that Germany will be competing in Bolzano without its NHL stars. Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stützle, Moritz Seider, and others will only join the team in Milan.

Nevertheless, Germany enters the friendly match as the overwhelming favorite. The favorite won the last two head-to-head encounters at the 2022 and 2021 World Championships, both by a score of 9-4. "For us, it's about implementing our good habits for the full 60 minutes: clean and responsible puck handling, applying pressure to the net, and consistent defensive work. Italy will play with high intensity and aggressive forechecking, act with discipline, and wait for turnovers to launch counterattacks. Therefore, it's all the more important for us to play patiently, with focus, and responsibly," emphasizes German coach Harold Kreis.

Italy, the massive underdog

Italy's head coach Jukka Jalonen announced the squad for the friendly match on Tuesday, for which 2.000 tickets have already been sold. According to the announcement, Damian Clara will be in goal for the Azzurri, while Tommaso De Luca and Cristiano DiGiacinto will be the surplus forwards and will have to watch from the stands.

Tommaso De Luca will be absent on Wednesday. © Vanna Antonello

“The players barely had a chance to catch their breath after the league games. Those from HC Bozen and HC Pustertal were still on the ice until Sunday evening. But the fatigue disappeared after a few good training sessions,” says Italy’s goaltending coach Thomas Tragust, who has been preparing his players for the intense Olympic Games. “The three goalies (Clara, Davide Fadani, and Gianluca Vallini, ed.) know perfectly well that they are facing a tournament where they will be competing against the absolute best in the world. They have to be ready for that by pushing themselves beyond their limits.”

After the friendly match, both teams will travel to Milan and set up their Olympic base. While Germany starts the tournament with realistic chances of reaching the quarterfinals, Italy hopes to put on the best possible performance.