Head coach Jukka Jalonen also offered his players training on Easter Monday. © FISG/V. Anontello

International match in Bruneck: The last chance for a World Cup ticket

Now the real-life scenario is being tested! Italy's national ice hockey team will play its final World Championship test match on Tuesday at the Intercable Arena in Bruneck. For a handful of players, it will be their last national team appearance for the time being.

April 21, 2025

From: fop

On Thursday, the Azzurri fly to Romania, where they aim to win the B World Championship and thus advance to the World Group. Two days earlier, a final test will take place in Bruneck. On Tuesday at 19.30:XNUMX p.m., the Blue Team will face Slovenia.

In their preseason, Italy recently recorded a win and a loss against Poland, and now they'll be looking to boost their confidence against Slovenia – even though they pose a significant hurdle. Slovenia secured promotion at the World Cup in Bolzano a year ago and will now compete in the top flight in May alongside Canada, Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, France, Latvia, and Austria. Italy and Slovenia have faced each other twice in friendly matches in recent months, with both teams celebrating shutout victories.

Alex Trivellato & Co. compete in the World Cup dress rehearsal in Bruneck.

The Azzurri resumed training this Easter Monday following their trip to Poland. Following a pre-game session on Tuesday morning at the Sparkasse Arena, the squad will move from Bolzano to Bruneck. There, several players will have their last chance to make the World Cup squad this evening. After the friendly, national coach Jukka Jalonen will decide which 20 field players and three goalies will be allowed to fly to Romania on Thursday.

Award for Purdeller

One person has certainly secured his place on the team: Pustertal's rising star Tommy Purdeller. He will be honored as the ICE Hockey League's Rookie of the Year ahead of the clash with Slovenia.