Release from 05.02.2026

Italy in final Olympic preparation phase | Other league nations in tournament action

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Italy suffered a narrow defeat in its only warm-up game ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. The Blue Team lost 3–4 to Germany on Wednesday in Bolzano. In the coming days, other league nations will take the ice at the IIHF European Cup of Nations.

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The Italian national team has entered the final stage of its Olympic preparation. Against Germany, head coach Jukka Jalonen’s squad fell behind 0–3 early in the second period but battled back in front of about 3,500 spectators through ICE players Dustin Gazley (HCB) and Tommy Purdeller (HCP). The visitors extended their lead once more before Italy’s reply came too late to turn the game around.

On Thursday, the Blue Team will move into its Olympic quarters in Milan. Italy’s first game is scheduled for February 11 against a Swedish lineup stacked with NHL stars.

Other national teams at the IIHF European Cup of Nations
The national teams of Hungary, Austria, and Slovenia are in action this week at tournaments of the IIHF European Cup of Nations.

Hungary and Austria will compete in Group I, played from February 5–7 in the Norwegian capital, Oslo. Hungary opens against host Norway, followed by the all-ICE clash between Hungary and Austria on Friday. The young Austrian side will close the tournament with another meeting against Norway on Saturday.

Group J games will be played in parallel in Edinburgh, Scotland. Slovenia opens its campaign against Poland before facing Great Britain and Ukraine in the remaining fixtures.

IIHF European Cup of Nations 2025/26 – Group I
February 5, 2026
19:00 – Hungary vs. Norway

February 6, 2026
19:00 – Austria vs. Hungary (live on ORF SPORT +)

February 7, 2026
16:00 – Norway vs. Austria

IIHF European Cup of Nations 2025/26 – Group J
February 5, 2026
15:00 – Poland vs. Slovenia

February 6, 2026
19:30 – Great Britain vs. Slovenia

February 7, 2026
15:00 – Slovenia vs. Ukraine

All games are available via livestream at www.iihf.tv.

Photo: FISG/Vanna Antonello