Italhockey, Jukka Jalonen leaves the Azzurri’s bench.

Two intense seasons at the helm of Italy for the Finnish coach, among the most titled on the international scene (2022 Olympic gold medalist, 2010 Olympic bronze medalist, as well as three gold, one silver and one rainbow bronze medalist). It was also a return to Italian field hockey for him, after his 1998/99 experience at the helm of Alleghe.

Since his presentation in Milan in September two years ago, the first year ended with a second-place finish and subsequent promotion to the World Championship First Division Group A in Sfântu Gheorghe. The most recent season, on the other hand, has seen the Azzurri engaged on two top-level stages, the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the Top Division World Championships in Switzerland: two tournaments that ended without victories, but with encouraging signs in terms of attitude, competitiveness and growth, with the national team able on several occasions to hold its own against the world’s leading field hockey powers.

Drawing a balance is Stefan Zisser, Sporting Director of the National Ice Hockey Teams for the FISG, in commenting on the conclusion of the relationship with Jukka Jalonen: “In these two seasons players and staff have been able to deal with a coach with a profoundly different method than in the recent past. From the November friendlies to the Olympics, Jalonen always maintained the same identity, with a direct approach to match preparation and a fast-paced system of play based on clear directions.

I believe athletes and staff have benefited greatly from his experience. One of the most noticeable aspects has been the growth in the compactness of the group, which has become more united over time. It should also be underlined the willingness to enhance the young people, included and empowered even in contexts of the highest level such as Olympics and World Top Division, which testifies to a work oriented to the future of Italy.

On behalf of myself and the entire Italian Ice Sports Federation, we thank him for his work and wish him all the best for his next experiences.”