U18 World Cup: Italy still waiting for its first victory

The Italian national team suffered another defeat at the IIHF U18 Women's World Championship Division I, Group A, in Ritten. On Thursday, the "Azzurrine" were soundly beaten 1-5 by Germany and continue their fight against relegation.

15 January 2026

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The situation isn't getting any easier for the Italian U18 women's national team. On Thursday, the "Azzurrine" suffered another defeat, this time on the third matchday. The Byrne-coached team was clearly outmatched by the German squad and deservedly lost 1-5. Alexandra Boico put Germany in the lead after just 16 seconds, and Charleen Poindl added a second goal shortly after (2:0). In the second period, Boico scored her second goal of the day (5.27:38.08), putting Italy under pressure to respond.

But the final period brought no change. Poindl was able to celebrate scoring twice (43:57) and made it 4-0 for Germany, effectively sealing the victory. Although Giorgia Todesco, assisted by Olivia de Bortoli and Maddalena Bedont, brought Italy closer on the power play (53:54), Germany's power play was also effective, and Annika Stephainski sealed the 5-1 final score (56:24). Italy now sits alone at the bottom of the standings with zero points.

Japan marches ahead

Meanwhile, Japan is virtually unstoppable. The Asian team convincingly beat France 5-1 in the top-of-the-table clash and lead the standings with a perfect nine points. Nana Akimoto opened the scoring for Japan after just ten seconds, before Kika Terauchi added a second goal (8:04). Clemence Boudin pulled one back for France in the first period (13:50), but Japan sealed the victory in the final frame. Umeka Odaira (40:32), Ruka Kagaya (49:24), and Nanaho Yamaguchi (54:59) secured the win in a game that Japan clearly dominated.

The Danish women (in red) won against Norway (Photo: Max Pattis).

The afternoon match saw an all-Scandinavian clash between Denmark and Norway. Denmark secured their first victory at the U18 World Championships on the Ritten, winning 4-3 in a shootout. In a thrilling match, Norway took an early 1-0 lead thanks to Linnea Knardahl (5:03), but Denmark turned the game around with goals from Freya Ekberg (13:55) and Nikita Bergmann (16:58).

Mille Are-Ekstrom equalized just before the end of the first period (19:51). In the second period, Fie Puls put Denmark back in the lead (37:15), but Norway responded in the final period with an equalizer from Knardahl, forcing overtime (55:32). No goals were scored in overtime, so the game went to a penalty shootout. Teresa Christensen was the only shooter to score, securing the extra point for Denmark.

Another training day is scheduled for Friday on the Ritten plateau, where the players can recharge their batteries for the weekend's program. The final two match days are on Saturday and Sunday.

IIHF U18 Women's World Championship Division I, Group A – the schedule:

Saturday, January 17th
13 p.m.: Norway – France
4:30 p.m.: Germany – Japan
20 p.m.: Italy – Denmark

Sunday, January 18st
13 p.m.: Germany – Norway
4:30 p.m.: France – Denmark
20 p.m.: Japan – Italy

Keywords hockey U18 World Cup