Italy’s second match Division I Ice Hockey World Championship saw the Azzurri face Japan in the Sparkasse Arena in Bolzano. The Azzurri won in overtime and achieved their second victory, remaining in the running for promotion to the Top Division World Cup.
NEWS ITALY-JAPAN ICE HOCKEY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The match begins with the teams immediately challenging each other head-on. Japan shows intensity in the first minutes, immediately coming close to scoring with Otsu, but the Japanese are unable to beat Clara. Italy took longer to get going but wasted two excellent opportunities: first with Frigo and then with De Luca. The first third of the match ends at 0-0.
In the second round things change. The Azzurri start off like a rocket, passing twice in ten minutes: the first ring is signed by Gazley converting a tap-in on Catenacci’s shot rejected by Narisawa, the second is from Kostner, which materializes a counterattack characterized by a beautiful progression from De Luca. We go 2-0, but the Asians don’t give up, On the contrary. Once down by two goals, halfway through the second period they react equalizing thanks to Yu Sato’s goal, good at being ready after a super play from Nakajima, and Kohei Sato’s solo.
We then go to the last break at 2-2, while the third period is delayed in its start due to the reconstruction of a containment glass. The race was even suspended. Then we start again with the last twenty minutes. The tension, given the stakes, is great and so are the errors.
Italy wastes a powerplay after the tenth minute. Japan charges and reacts: flash of Yoneyama, goal to make it 2-3. The Azzurri took a heavy blow, but didn’t give up, pouring into the attack. The 3-3 arrives: Larkin does everything, the Japanese defense can’t do anything.
Match restored to balance, Italy has a chance at numerical superiority in the final, but does not materialize. We go to overtime. The Blue Team is fired up and attacks the goal of a Japan that is in difficulty and in no time at all with Frigo scores the goal that decides the match and gives coach Pelino’s team their second victory in two games.
Tomorrow Italy will compete in the third challenge of their journey by challenging Slovenia at 7.30pmalways within the group that offers two promotions to the Top Division.
