Italy is back in the top division of the World Cup as a promoted team. However, the 2026 Olympic host not only wants to take part, but also wants to be competitive against the best nations in the world, as Tommy Purdeller emphasizes in the interview.
For the 22-year-old, a successful World Cup with relegation could be the crowning achievement of an already strong season – after taking part in the Olympic Games and reaching the final in the win2day ICE Hockey League with HC Falkensteiner Pustertal.
A total of twelve players from the win2day ICE Hockey League made it into Italy’s World Cup squad – six players each from Pustertal and HCB Südtirol Alperia. The squad was announced after the last pre-season game on Tuesday against Great Britain, which was lost 3-5. In total, the Squadra Azzurra played four test matches against the British, two of which they won. For Tommy Purdeller, these games were particularly valuable: “Great Britain are an unpleasant opponent who play very physically and never give up. These are exactly the kinds of games you need when preparing for a World Cup. We were able to take a lot from them, especially in terms of our defense, special teams and consistency over 60 minutes.”
In preparation for the World Cup, the promoted team also suffered two defeats against France. There was also a test against Austria on April 16th, with the Azzurri losing 2-3 after extra time.
Despite only two wins from seven preparation games, Purdeller draws a positive conclusion: “I think we can be very satisfied with our preparation overall. We have worked intensively and taken important steps forward as a team. Of course there are always things that can be improved, but I believe that we are going to the World Cup well prepared and are now happy that it is finally starting.”
As a newcomer, Italy is one of the outsiders in Group B, which is being played in Friborg. In addition to Olympic runner-up Canada, other strong opponents await: Slovakia, Norway, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark and Slovenia.
“We know that the World Cup will be extremely difficult at this level, but we are certainly not going there just to be there,” emphasizes the South Tyrolean. “We want to act as a team, play courageously and look for our chances in every game. If we show our best hockey, we can cause problems for any opponent.”
The performances at the Olympic Games in Milan in February are particularly positive. The Azzurri were able to keep up well against some of the best teams in the world for long stretches: “The Olympic Games showed us that we can compete against strong nations if we act as a united team. These experiences definitely give us self-confidence. Nevertheless, at a World Cup everything starts from scratch again and we have to work hard for every point.”
The season has already been extremely successful for the 22-year-old. In addition to taking part in the Olympic Games, he sensationally reached the final of the win2day ICE Hockey League with Pustertal and was also voted Young Star of the season. Staying in the league at the World Cup would now be the perfect culmination: “The season has been something very special for me so far, but managing to stay in the league with the national team would have a very special significance. Playing for Italy at a World Cup is always a great honor.”
The start takes place on Saturday against record world champions Canada – one of several games against absolute ice hockey great powers. The striker’s anticipation is correspondingly great: “The anticipation is huge. You don’t play against teams like Canada every day, and it’s exactly the kind of games you work for as a child and dream about. Of course we know what quality there is on the ice, but we want to accept the challenge and enjoy it.”
A decisive game in the fight to stay in the league could be on the agenda at the end of the group phase. Then Italy meets Slovenia. For Purdeller it will also be a special duel because a teammate, Rok Tičar, is on the other side: “It’s obviously something special. Above all, I’m looking forward to playing against Rok Tičar, with whom I played together this season. I also know some of the other players from the league games. It will certainly be a hard-fought match and we will give everything to win it.”
Italy’s World Cup schedule:
Sat, May 16, 2026, 4:20 p.m.: Canada – Italy
Sun, May 17, 2026, 12:20 p.m.: Italy – Slovakia
Tue, May 19, 2026, 4:20 p.m.: Italy – Norway
Wed, May 20, 2026, 4:20 p.m.: Czech Republic – Italy
Fri, May 22, 2026, 8:20 p.m.: Italy – Sweden
Sun, May 24, 2026, 4:20 p.m.: Denmark – Italy
Mon, May 25, 2026, 8:20 p.m.: Slovenia – Italy
ice.hockey , Image: HCI/PAPA Productions
