Release from 01.05.2025

Italy Falls to Great Britain

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Less than 24 hours after their win over Poland, Italy suffered a setback at the Division I Group A World Championship in Sfântu Gheorghe, falling 5-1 to a clinical Great Britain side. Despite firing 33 shots on goal, the Azzurri couldn’t find a way past red-hot netminder Ben Bowns, while the Brits made the most of their chances, scoring five times on just 17 attempts.

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Italy remains at 7 points, now trailing Great Britain (9). Whether promotion is still within reach depends on the result of the Ukraine vs. Poland matchup. One thing is clear: the Azzurri need a regulation win on Saturday at 3:00 PM (CET) against Romania to keep the dream alive.

Team GB got off to a dream start, taking the lead just 32 seconds in with Liam Kirk finding the net. Italy responded with pressure and several good looks, but couldn’t beat Bowns, and were punished again late in the period when Halbert doubled the British lead. A nightmare start to the second saw Kirk strike again just 42 seconds in, making it 3-0. Fadani was replaced by Clara in net, but the momentum stayed with the Brits – Duggan added a fourth before Misley finally broke through for Italy with a deflected shot midway through the game. The Azzurri kept pushing, but even grade-A chances from Ierullo, Saracino and Tedesco were denied. In the dying minutes, O’Connor sealed the deal with a powerplay goal to make it 5-1.