Italy’s national Olympic Hockey team proves the doubters wrong at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Despite a loss, the Azzurri pushed NHL-heavy Team Sweden to the limit in an emotional opening night.
The atmosphere in Milan was electric as the puck dropped for the home team. Nobody gave the Italians a chance against the Swedish powerhouse, but for sixty minutes, the world saw a team playing with heart, grit, and the support of a nation that refused to be silenced.
Game Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Team Italy | Team Sweden |
| NHL Experience | 0 Games | 16,880 Games |
| First Period Lead | 1-0 | Trailing |
| Total Shots | 22 | 60 |
| Star Performer | Damian Clara (46 Saves) | Victor Hedman (1 Goal) |
| Final Score | 2 | 5 |
The Night Italy Proved They Belong in Olympic Hockey
Coming into the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, critics were vocal about Italy’s automatic bid as the host nation. With a roster featuring zero NHL experience facing a Swedish side with nearly 17,000 professional games under their belt, many expected a blowout. However, Olympic Hockey is rarely that predictable.
Luca Frigo, a 32-year-old veteran born near the site of the 2006 Torino Games, ignited the arena just four minutes into the first period. Capitalizing on a rare mistake by Swedish goalie Filip Gustavsson, Frigo slotted the puck home to give Italy a shocking 1-0 lead. It was a poetic moment for Frigo, who grew up watching Sweden win gold in 2006 and was now scoring against them on the world’s biggest stage.
Damian Clara: The Future of Italian Goaltending
While the scoreline eventually tilted in Sweden’s favor, the real story of the night was 20-year-old Damian Clara. The Anaheim Ducks prospect was a wall in the crease, facing a relentless barrage of 60 shots. His performance in this Olympic Hockey matchup kept Italy within striking distance well into the third period.
Clara’s highlight-reel save on Elias Pettersson during a breakaway early in the third period had the Santagiulia Arena on its feet. Unfortunately, an injury forced him out of the game at the six-minute mark of the final frame. Without Clara’s heroics, the 5-2 final score likely would have looked much worse for the hosts.
Emotional Goals and a Family Legacy
The grit of the Italian squad was personified by Matthew Bradley. Despite being outshot 27-3 in the first period, Italy didn’t crumble. Just 37 seconds into the second period, Bradley found the back of the net to tie the game at 2-2.
For Bradley, this Olympic Hockey goal was more than just a statistic. He dedicated the score to his 95-year-old grandfather, Guido, who moved from Italy to Canada decades ago. It’s these human stories that elevate the tournament beyond just a sporting event, Olympic Hockey showcasing the deep cultural ties that bind the Italian diaspora to their homeland.
Sweden’s Quality Shines Through in the End
Despite the scare, Sweden’s elite talent eventually took over. Gabriel Landeskog and William Nylander showed why they are superstars, finding gaps in the Italian defense as the game wore on. The Swedes’ depth allowed them to maintain a high-pressure Olympic Hockey forecheck that eventually exhausted the Italian skaters.
Victor Hedman, who sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, was quick to praise his opponents. He noted that Italy played “unbelievable” and that the pressure of an opening game, combined with a hot goaltender, makes any team dangerous. Sweden walks away with the three points, but they leave with a newfound respect for the Azzurri.
Looking Ahead: Can Italy Pull Off an Upset?
Italy’s coach, Jukka Jalonen, now faces a quick turnaround as they prepare for Slovakia. The health of Damian Clara will be the focal point of the next 48 hours. If the young netminder can return, Italy has shown they have the structure and the spirit to compete with anyone in Group B.
This wasn’t just a loss; it was a declaration. Italy isn’t just showing up because they are the hosts; they are showing up to play. As the tournament progresses, fans of Olympic Hockey should keep a close eye on this Italian squad—they might just have a “miracle” left in them yet.
Conclusion
While the history books will record a 5-2 victory for Sweden, the heart shown by the Italian national team suggests that Olympic Hockey in 2026 will be far more competitive than the rankings suggest. Italy played with pride, pushed a gold-medal favorite to the brink, and reminded the world that on any given night, the underdog has a bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Italy qualify for the 2026 Olympic Hockey tournament?
Italy received an automatic “bye” or entry into the tournament because they are the host nation for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
2. Who scored the goals for Team Italy?
Luca Frigo scored the opening goal in the first period, and Matthew Bradley scored the equalizer early in the second period.
3. Did Team Italy have any NHL players on their roster?
No. The Italian 25-man roster had zero games of NHL experience, compared to Sweden’s roster which combined for over 16,000 NHL games.
4. Why did the Italian goalie leave the game?
Damian Clara, who made 46 saves, had to leave the game at 6:08 of the third period due to an undisclosed injury after making a spectacular pad save.
5. When is Italy’s next game in the Olympics?
Italy is scheduled to play Slovakia at the Rho Arena this coming Friday.
