Discover how Team Italy shocked the world in their 2026 Olympic opener. Despite no NHL players, the hosts pushed Team Sweden to the limit, proving they are a force to be reckoned with.
The energy at Santagiulia Arena was nothing short of magical as the host nation stepped onto the ice for the first time. For years, critics questioned if Italy could even compete in a tournament featuring the world’s best. On Wednesday, the Azzurri didn’t just compete—they made a statement that will be remembered for the rest of the Games.
Quick Stats: Italy vs. Sweden (Feb 11, 2026)
| Category | Team Italy | Team Sweden |
| NHL Experience | 0 Games | 16,880 Games |
| Shots on Goal | 22 | 60 |
| Goaltender Saves | 46 (Damian Clara) | 20 (Filip Gustavsson) |
| First Goal | Luca Frigo (4:14) | Gabriel Landeskog (9:06) |
| Final Score | 2 | 5 |
The Host Nation Defies Expectations in Olympic Hockey
Coming into the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, Italy was the ultimate wildcard. As the host country, they received an automatic bid, but they entered with a roster containing zero active NHL players. Facing a Swedish “Dream Team” packed with nearly 17,000 games of professional experience, most experts predicted a double-digit blowout. Instead, the world witnessed the true spirit of Olympic Hockey.
Luca Frigo, a local hero born near Turin, sent the home crowd into a frenzy just four minutes into the opening period. Capitalizing on a rare mistake by Sweden’s Filip Gustavsson, Frigo buried the puck to give Italy a 1-0 lead. It was a historic moment, marking Italy’s first goal in an Olympic tournament involving NHL players since 2006.
Damian Clara: The Goaltender Who Became a Legend
While the scoreboard eventually favored the Swedes, the name on everyone’s lips after the game was Damian Clara. The 20-year-old Anaheim Ducks prospect was absolutely sensational in the crease. Facing a relentless barrage of 60 shots, Clara stood tall, making 46 saves and keeping Italy within one goal for the majority of the game.
His performance in this Olympic Hockey showdown wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about the quality of the saves. Clara denied superstars like Elias Pettersson and William Nylander repeatedly, proving that he is one of the brightest young talents in the sport today. Unfortunately, Clara had to leave the game late in the third period due to an injury, but his effort had already earned him a standing ovation from both sets of fans.
A Family Legacy on the International Stage
The emotional peak of the night came from forward Matthew Bradley. After Sweden fought back to take a 2-1 lead, Bradley responded just 37 seconds into the second period to tie the game. Bradley, a Canadian-born player who qualified through his Italian heritage, was visibly moved after the game.
He dedicated his Olympic Hockey goal to his 95-year-old grandfather, Guido, who originally moved from Italy to Canada. “To score for my nonno back home is a once-in-a-lifetime feeling,” Bradley shared. This connection to the “Azzurri” roots is what makes this team so unique, as 15 members of the roster are dual citizens bringing experience from across the globe back to their ancestral home.
Sweden’s Depth Eventually Wins the Day
Despite the scare, the sheer depth of Team Sweden eventually took its toll. William Nylander finally broke the 2-2 deadlock late in the second period, and the Swedes added two more in the third to secure the 5-2 victory. Sweden’s captain, Gabriel Landeskog, acknowledged the difficulty of the game, praising Italy for their work rate and structure.
For Sweden, it was a wake-up call that no opponent can be taken lightly in Olympic Hockey. For Italy, it was a massive confidence booster. They showed they could play a disciplined, physical game against the best in the world, proving that they aren’t just in the tournament to fill a seat—they are here to win.
What’s Next for Team Italy?
The “Azzurri” now turn their attention to a crucial matchup against Slovakia on Friday. If Damian Clara is healthy enough to return to the net, Italy has a legitimate chance to pull off an upset and secure their first win of the tournament. The blueprint is clear: stay disciplined, lean on the home crowd, and play with the same heart they showed against Sweden.
The world might not have known many names on the Italian roster before this week, but after that performance, everyone is paying attention. Olympic Hockey thrives on stories like this, where the underdog refuses to back down, and the host nation finds its voice on the ice.
Conclusion
Italy’s 5-2 loss to Sweden felt more like a victory for the growth of the sport in the Mediterranean. They led, they tied, and they fought until the final horn. If this opening game is any indication, the Olympic Hockey tournament in 2026 is going to be one for the history books, filled with surprises that no one saw coming.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Italy have any NHL players on their hockey team?
No, the 2026 Italian men’s roster currently has zero players with active NHL experience, though many play in top European leagues or the AHL.
2. Who is the goalie for Team Italy?
The primary goalie is Damian Clara, a highly-rated prospect for the Anaheim Ducks who currently plays professionally in Sweden.
3. When did Italy last score in the Olympics before 2026?
Before Luca Frigo’s goal on Wednesday, Italy’s last Olympic goal against NHL-level competition was scored by Tony Iob in 2006.
4. How many shots did Italy face against Sweden?
Italy faced a staggering 60 shots on goal, with goalie Damian Clara making 46 saves before leaving the game with an injury.
5. Who does Italy play next in the 2026 Olympics?
Italy’s next preliminary round game is against Team Slovakia, scheduled for Friday at the Rho Arena.
