Italy, grit not enough: Slovakia wins by a narrow margin

Second defeat in as many games of the group stage but still good impressions for the Men’s National Ice Hockey Team, which at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena loses by a narrow margin against Slovakia, one of the formations stably in the Top Division of world field hockey: 3-2 the final score, with the Azzurri paying for a moment of disbandment in the second diptel and unable to regain a selection that sees in its roster the presence of several players from the NHL.

The first period brings no goals on the scoreboard: Italy and Slovakia have a powerplay on each side (Marincin punished for slashing at minute 2:20, Zanetti for hooking at minute 11:56) but do not take advantage of it. In the middle third, however, it is precisely a numerical superiority, with Purdeller on the penalty bench from minute 3:07 for a tripping, that puts Slovakia ahead, which takes advantage by scoring with Libor Hudacek. In numerical parity came instead the double, at 13:45: Matus Sukel scored it, mocking Davide Fadani.

Francesco Lucivero

As was the case with Sweden, however, Italy didn&#8217t lose heart and as early as minute 17:06 reduced the gap, scoring with Matthew Bradley, who exploited in the best way a powerplay started a minute earlier for Marincin&#8217s second 2-minute penalty. The game remains very aggressive (Cernak and Slafkovski for Slovakia and Frigo and Di Perna for Italy also go on the penalty bench at the beginning of the third period), Italy tries but Slovakia at minute 11:54 of the last period scores the 3-1 with Adam Ruzicka.

The Azzurri&#8217s response comes from Dustin Gazley, Bradley&#8217s teammate also in Bolzano, who signs the second Italian goal but despite their efforts the tie does not come, also because in the final assault there&#8217s a 2-minute penalty for Thomas Larkin that takes away the extra movement player in the last 29 seconds. At the buzzer it is therefore 3-2 for Slovakia.

In the standings, the Slovakian lineup is leading with full points, with 6 points, while Sweden has been joined by Finland on 3 after losing to the latter in their direct clash, 4-1. Italy will close the round precisely against the Finns on Saturday 14: direct access to the quarterfinals is impossible but a victory, although difficult, would allow a better position ahead of the playoffs.