World Cup 1st Division – Group A: in the bedlam of Bolzano, the Magyars mock Pelino’s national team 66 seconds from the bell. While Slovenia advances, a full success against South Korea and a knockout of Hungary itself will be needed on Sunday.
In front of 5394 spectators at the Sparkasse Arena in Bolzano, for the fourth round of the 1st Division World Championships – Group A, Hungary beat Italy in overtime with a score of 3-2, in a match full of emotions and with the blue team that stopped one step away from the success that would have been crucial for the objective of coach Pelino’s team in this home world championship.
There was also a show in the stands, with the stadium in via Galvani transformed into a powder keg by the two sets of fans. Previously Slovenia had beaten Japan 3-1, while Romania had won 3-2 over South Korea. By virtue of these results, Slovenia is already qualified for the Top Division; to find out the second team that will go to the 2025 World Cup and the relegated team, the last day, Sunday, will be necessary. Italy will have to win in the 60 minutes of regulation against South Korea and hope for a three-point success for Slovenia against Hungary.
THE MATCH
The Azzurri started with a good attitude, immediately putting pressure on the Hungarian rearguard: a couple of shots from Diego Kostner and a conclusion from Frank ignited the reflexes of goalkeeper Balisz. Italy continues to grind out the game and has the first numerical superiority: in the 120 seconds with the extra man, however, there are no big chances. Pelino’s team continues to play the game, despite failing to break through during a further powerplay.
As the minutes passed, Hungary tried to take meters of ice, Hadobas committed Clara and then the Azzurri defended themselves well in penalty killing. The first part ends goalless after tense nerves between Purdeller and Hadobas. The nervousness also carries over into the central period, with two players on each side in the bad guys’ bench. The match becomes a concentration of emotions on the attacks of the respective teams. Hungary tries several times from the blue, while Salinitri challenges Balisz who rejects with the leg.
Italy comes close again, coming close to scoring with Catenacci and wasting another opportunity with the extra man. The Hungarians, however, didn’t let the chance slip away at 30:27, when Sofron won a tackle with Amorosa and scored a backhand shot past Clara. The following minutes saw the Hungarian team more enterprising, but the momentum turned again in favor of the Azzurri who, during two consecutive powerplays, launched an assault on Balizs’ goal: the equalizer came at 38:56, with a torpedo to Pietroniro’s flight hits Nilsson’s skate and enters the net.
Italy was also close to taking the lead immediately afterwards, with Mantenuto finding opposition from the Hungarian goalkeeper this time. The third half is a concentration of emotions. Mantenuto doesn’t have an impact on the counterattack in a situation of inferiority. When the game returns to 5 against 5, a volley by Mihaly – after an error by the Azzurri coming out of the zone – allows Hungary to take the lead again (42:35). Just 73 seconds pass and Italy regains the equalizer with a touch in front of goal by Frank.
Italy again, with Mantinger and Gazley giving the Hungarians shivers. In the 49th minute two big chances on both sides of the track: Sofron and Marchetti but the result does not change. Pietroniro fails to overtake Balizs from a good position; equally Kiss on Clara. In the 57th minute, good percussion from the Azzurri but Hungary was also saved on the last chance of regulation by Mantenuto. Overtime is a concentration of emotions. Balizs saves everything on Catenacci, while Hungary hits the post. Larkin and Salinitri have the winning puck, but the Italian attacker is stopped by an incredible save from the Hungarian goalie.
And so, on the other hand, Hungary resolves the match thanks to Varga, who finalizes the action orchestrated by Hari just 66 seconds from the siren. With this victory the Hungarian national team moves into 2nd place, two points ahead of Italy. The last day will be decisive for the Azzurri.
