Mission Promotion: Azzurre start into the World Cup

In recent months, the "Azzurre" have completed several training camps (including overseas) not only in preparation for the World Championships, but also for next year's Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina. "The girls now know exactly what it takes to play at a high level," says coach Stephanie Poirier. The 40-year-old Canadian is supported by her compatriots Francis Parè, Karel St-Laurent, and Alexandre Tremblay, as well as Stefano Daprà.

"We're talking about coaches who come from the Mecca of ice hockey, especially women's hockey: Every training session helps us grow and approach modern ice hockey from a technical and tactical standpoint. We have a fantastic group with which we can be successful. Now it's our turn," says Nadia Mattivi, setting the tone ahead of her sixth World Championship appearance.

Optimism across the board The 24-year-old defender, who spent this season with Lulea in Sweden, is confident about the upcoming title fight: "On paper, we have a strong team and are perhaps even stronger than in previous years. We narrowly missed promotion recently. You can't afford to make any mistakes in these tournaments. You have to win every game; every point can make the difference."

Poirier echoes the sentiment: "It will be important to handle the pressure, perform, and be consistent. After narrowly missing promotion a year ago, we want to make it happen this time. The girls are desperate to do it. We believe in it completely." The coach has called up five dual nationals. With the exception of Amie Varano, Olivia De Ciantis, Kristen Guerriero, Kristin Della Rovere, and Kayla Tutino are making their debuts for the Italian national team, which also includes another newcomer, Margherita Odoni.

Poirier (right) sets the tone. © FISG

Italy traveled to Dumfries last Wednesday, where they not only trained but also played two friendly matches. The "Azzurre" prevailed against Great Britain 7-0 and South Korea 2-1. In the first match, Kristen Guerriero (2), Matilde Fantin, Anna Caumo, Kristin Della Rovere, Kayla Tutino, and Greta Niccolai were on the scoresheet. In the second match, Manuela Heidenberger and Della Rovere found the net.

Poirier's team will face Slovenia (17.30:14 p.m.) in the small town in southern Scotland this afternoon, followed by Kazakhstan (12:17.30 p.m.) tomorrow. After the first rest day, the Azzurre will face Latvia (14:15 p.m.) on April 21, followed by South Korea (XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.) the following day. After another rest day, they will face hosts Great Britain (XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.) on April XNUMX.

The squad Italy's 23-man World Cup squad includes the following players: Goal: Elisa Biondi, Martina Fedel, Margherita Ostoni; Defense: Maddalena Bedont, Olivia Christina De Ciantis, Kristen Guerriero, Nadia Mattivi, Emma Rindone, Franziska Stocker, Amie Varano; Attack: Aurora Abantangelo, Eleonora Bonafini, Mia Campo Bagatin, Anna Caumo, Kristin Della Rovere, Matilde Fantin, Samantha Gius, Manuela Heidenberger, Marta Mazzocchi, Greta Niccolai, Rebecca Roccella, Carola Saletta, Kayla Tutino. Trainer: Stephanie Poirier.

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Mission Promotion: Azzurre start into the World Cup

The Women's World Championship, Division I Group B, will take place in Dumfries, Scotland, from Wednesday to April 15. After three consecutive bronze medals, Italy's national team has set its sights on promotion to the World Championship, Division I Group A, from which it was relegated in 2019.

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