Robert Chizzali: “We have achieved a great goal”

Robert Chizzali has reason to celebrate. At the third attempt, the U20 team of the Italian national team won the World Cup in the 1st Division Group B and thus secured promotion to Group A. In addition to Coach Chizzali and his assistant Thomas Kostner, the Italian World Cup squad included a total of 14 local players, namely Rabanser, Hochkofler, Pavlu, Glira, Vinatzer, Alber, Frank, Schenk, Althuber, Messner, Morandell, Radin, Ramoser and Tauferer.

Robert Chizzali, how are you feeling?

“I'm proud of my boys. They showed great commitment and good team spirit. It wasn't easy, but we still did it. Finally".

France played 19 friendly matches in advance and Japan played ten. All other nations have prepared well for the World Cup and the “Azzurri” win the title fights with just four training sessions. Did a miracle happen in Britain? “We always have to deal with some teething problems (smiles). However, the group showed fighting spirit and approached the matter with the right attitude. The boys wanted the win. Before we left I told them: You only go on the ice to win. And that’s what they did.”

When did you realize the team could achieve the goal?

“When we won against Kazakhstan, our opponents shot at goal 50 times, but Rabanser did an excellent job of countering them. The boys showed a tactically mature performance in Great Britain. Each of you deserves a compliment and a thank you”.

Italy has made it to the top, but their feet are already back on the ground. What future do the young talents who stay here have?

“In Italy there is the usual problem. If you want the boys to develop athletically, you have to give them more responsibility and let them play in the power play and penalty killing. Let's think of Daniel Glira: For me he plays on the first line, in Bruneck he is the sixth or seventh defender. But this is a general problem in Italy. It is played with a number of foreigners, with the local young talent being pushed into the background. This is of little use to the growth of the ice hockey movement in Italy. I hope that many clubs will follow the example of Bolzano and opt for the EBEL. This championship offers young players a great advantage, partly because of the high level.”

And the Italian championship?

“Three to four foreigners are enough there. The boys should be supported, after all we won the World Cup.”

Mr. Chizzali, what are you doing now that the World Cup is over?

“I will devote myself fully to my work again. Before the World Cup, I sometimes worked 12 hours to collect enough vacation days. I can't make a living from ice hockey alone. I would like to thank my assistant Thomas Kostner, he is a great person and a well-prepared coach. I spoke to Alex Trivellato on the phone and he gave me his compliments. I am proud of what I have achieved. Now we all have to look forward together.”

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Robert Chizzali: “We have achieved a great goal”

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