Despite defeat: Azzurri are showing good signs

Although Slovenia, unlike Italy, does not play in the top division, Matjaz Kopitar's team is at least on a par with Italy in terms of potential. This was expressed on Thursday: Even without numerous top performers from the DEL, Ziga Pance & Co. were equal and ultimately won 2-1, not undeservedly. Italy, for their part, put in an appealing performance, but did not reward themselves for the many chances they created.

After the 2-1 win and 0-5 defeat against Austria, Greg Ireland's team played the third test match in preparation for the World Cup in Finland. For the first time, the Canadian trainer was able to rely on the services of the Asiago players, who had arrived late after winning the AlpsHL title. Marco Insam and Daniel Frank, however, were injured. In goal, Justin Fazio was preferred over Andreas Bernard and Davide Fadani, who had guarded the goal in the first two games.

Italy and Slovenia played a respectable game. © FISG

The Italian-Canadian did more than just well, as did his counterpart Matija Pintaric, who thwarted numerous chances for the Blue Team with strong saves. Apart from Fazio, HCP players Matthias Mantinger and Dante Hannoun stood out for Italy. Another friendly match will take place in Pontebba on Friday - but against World Cup opponents France. The highlights In the first third, the urge phases alternate. Italy becomes dangerous due to a Sanna post and a Mantinger solo effort, Slovenia misses the lead thanks to Magovac and Sabolic. At the beginning of the second period, Phil Pietroniro missed a 100% chance while standing free in front of Pintaric. On the counterattack, Robert Sabolic and Anze Kuralt took advantage of the Blue Team's insufficient spatial distribution with a nice combination. Marco Magnabosco then missed the 1-1, shortly afterwards Tadej Cimzar single-handedly increased the score to 2-0 after a fatal Marchetti treble in the offensive zone. The Azzurri's reaction followed just 42 seconds later: Alex Petan set up Alex Trivellato in the power play, who slammed the puck into the net with a powerful direct shot. Italy ran out of steam in the final third. Slovenia takes command, but is lucky that Alex Petan doesn't make it 2-2 on the power play. Italy – Slovenia 1:2 Italy: Fazio (Bernard); Trivellato-Di Perna, Spornberger-Pietroniro, Glira-Miglioranzi, Ginetti-Casetti, Gios; Mantinger-Petan-Sanna, Felicetti-Kostner-Marchetti, Frigo-Hannoun-Magnabosco, Deluca-Mantenuto-Berger, Kasslatter. coach: ireland

Slovenia: Pintaric (US); Robar-Magovac, Gregorc-Podlipnik, Stebih-Crnovic, Urukalo-Logar; Sabolic-Ticar-Kuralt, Pance-Cimzar-Ograjensek, Koblar-Simsic-Maver, Sturm-Tomazevic-Zajc. coach: Kopitar

Gates: 0:1 Sabolic (24.38), 0:2 Cimzar (28.21), 1:2 Trivellato (29.03)

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Despite defeat: Azzurri are showing good signs

Italy's national ice hockey team lost the third World Cup friendly against Slovenia in Pontebba on Thursday evening, but showed improving form.

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