Italy is also an outsider in the second World Cup game

Kurt Platter from Stockholm

A look at the statistics proves that the Vikings have been out of reach for the “Azzurri” in the recent past. The last three World Cup games were all lost: 2006 in Riga with 0:5, 2007 in Moscow with 2:5 and 2008 in Quebec with 2:6. Italy's last victory against Denmark at a World Cup was more than 23 years ago: on April 4, 1989, Italy celebrated a 6-0 win at the B World Cup in Lillehammer. The two nations had previously met four times at a C World Cup, with the “Azzurri” having won three times in a draw (2:2) (7:1, 3:1 and 8:0). But those times are long gone. While Italy has remained stagnant in its development and has been promoted or relegated every year since 2008, Denmark has established itself at the top of the world rankings.

“We just can’t be afraid”

“Denmark has a lot of talent. There are numerous players who are, above all, physically very strong. Four of them earn their money in the NHL. That’s saying something,” says Italy’s national coach Rick Cornacchia, paying respect to the second World Cup opponent. Four days ago the two teams faced each other at the World Cup dress rehearsal in Copenhagen. Denmark was already leading 2-0 after just under five minutes and ultimately celebrated a 4-2 win. “We must under no circumstances oversleep the initial phase. I expect a more determined team that is willing to push the limits right from the start,” demands Cornacchia. “We know how Denmark plays. They not only impressed in the friendly against us but also in the first game against the Czech Republic and only lost 0-2. We just have to not be afraid, avoid penalties and try to hold the puck longer. True to the motto: “You have more time than you think,” Armin helfer seems to know the recipe for success.

Cornacchia led an hour-long training session at lunchtime yesterday. However, Christian Borgatello and Alexander Egger stayed away. The two newly crowned Italian champions have a pinching left groin. In particular, the use of Borgatello seems to be extremely questionable for tomorrow. “I don’t think Christian can play. He has a slight strain, which is why we don’t want to take any risks,” said team doctor Alessio Sergio. Egger, on the other hand, wants to bite his teeth and play. If Borgatello is unable to play, Egger will return to his usual position as a defender. “That's not a problem for me. “I play where I’m needed,” assured the captain of HC Bozen.

Dan Tudin joined the team in the afternoon. The plan was for him to do a few more laps on the ice in the evening in order to get ready for tomorrow's game. Since there is still a question mark behind Borgatello, Cornacchia did not want to decide whether Roland Hofer or Thomas Pichler will spend the coming World Cup days as a tourist. As far as tomorrow's line-up is concerned, the Italian-Canadian has already decided; regardless of whether Egger and Borgatello are ready for use. Daniel Bellissimo will once again guard the goal. In defense the pairings are as follows: Nick Plastino-Matt De Marchi; Thomas Larkin-Trevor Johnson; Armin Helfer-Stefano Marchetti (Borgatello/Egger). The parade line is made up of Giulio Scandella, Dan Tudin and Luca Ansoldi. In the second row are Nicola Fontanive, Vince Rocco and Rob Sirianni. Pat Iannone, Derek Edwardson and Marco Insam storm in the third block, while Anton Bernard, Manuel De Toni and Luca Felicetti (Diego Iori) play in the fourth line.

Denmark has four NHL players

Denmark has been first class since 2003. Last year, coach Per Bäckman's team finished the World Cup in Slovakia in eleventh place. In 2010, the Danes achieved their best result in title fights to date with eighth place at the title fights in Germany. A majority of the players earn their money in this year's two World Cup host countries, Sweden (9) and Finland (three). Four cracks even chase the puck in the NHL: Frans Nielsen (New York Islanders), Lars Eller (Montreal Canadiens), Philip Larsen (Dallas Stars) and Jannik Hansen (Vancouver Canucks). Two other stars are missing: Mikkel Boedker and Peter Regin. Boedker is in the NHL playoffs with the Phoenix Coyotes, while Regin (Ottawa Senators) has to sit out due to an injury due to shoulder surgery. “Denmark is the favorite – no question. Still, I think we have a chance. We just have to not freeze in awe and try to stay in the game as long as possible. In Copenhagen, the line with Frans Nielsen, Lars Eller and Nichlas Hardt made a really strong impression. If we don’t get this trio under control, then we have a problem,” says Helfer. The game will be broadcast live on “Sportitalia” at 12.15 p.m.

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Italy is also an outsider in the second World Cup game

After losing the opening game at the 76th World Championship in Stockholm and Helsinki against Germany (0:3), the Italian national ice hockey team is aiming for its first victory on Sunday at 12.15:XNUMX p.m. But against Denmark that is easier said than done.

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