At the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, the olympic journey for Italy's men's ice hockey team officially ended today, as Switzerland dominated the board and took the quarterfinals spot from the host country. Despite losing NHL star Kevin Fiala to a tournament-ending leg injury, Switzerland defeated the host nation to advance, and climb higher to reach the podium.
As scores show Team Italy's journey (Feb 11: SWE 5-2 ITA), (Feb 12: SVK 3-2 ITA), (Feb 13: FIN 11-0 ITA), (Feb 17: SUI 3-0 ITA), it was a tough exit for the host nation. Italy’s 3-0 loss to Switzerland today officially ends their 2026 Olympic run with an 0-4 record. Despite the winless finish, Italian goaltender Damian Clara was a standout, making 48 saves in the final game to keep things competitive at even strength.
First period
Early in the first period at 01:19, Italy's goaltender Damian Clara fails to protect the net, as Philipp Kurashev shoots the puck and found the back of Team Italy's net, putting Switzerland first onto the boards with a goal assisted by New Jersey Devils teammates NIco Hischier and Timo Meier.
10:01 into the game, Team Italy's Thomas Larkin was awarded with a 2 minute penalty for holding the stick, and 24 seconds later, Switzerland gets on the board once again with a goal from Roman Josi, assisted by Nico Hischier and Sven Andrighetto.
First period ends with a penalty awarded to Team Switzerland's Janis Moser for cross-checking.
Second period
Neither Italy or Switzerland got onto the boards, as second period was full of skating and penalties for each team.
at 22:37, a two minute penalty has been given to Switzerland's Simon Knak for cross-checking. Six minutes later, Italy followed with a penalty to Gregory di Tomas for slashing, and roughly 9 minutes after, Italy has been awarded another penalty to Mats Frycklund for hooking.
2 minutes before the second period ended, Team Switzerland was given their last penalty for the match to Philipp Kurashev for roughing, and another penalty for Italy by Daniel Mantenuto for roughing.
Third period
Adding to their penalty count, Italy adds another one 5 minutes in the third period for Mats Frycklund— this time, for roughing. Switzerland gets the power play.
6 seconds into the power play, Nico Hischier skates onto the ice and shoots the puck past Italy's goaltender Damian Clara, scoring a power play goal for Switzerland, assisted by Timo Meier and Damien Riat, making the game 3-0.
The match ends with Italy's last penalty to Thomas Larkin for boarding, as the horn signals Team Italy's end to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men's Ice Hockey Tournament.
The Qualification Play-off ends with Switzerland 3-0 Italy. Switzerland's total shots on goal was 51, with 3 finding the back of the net, as Italy recorded a total of 20, with all stopped by Switzerland's goaltender Leonardo Genoni.
Leonardo Genoni's shoulders feel lighter, as he shut out Team Italy's total of 20 Shots on Goal, and helped his team advance to the Quarterfinals.
Switzerland will battle with Finland on Feb. 18 at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, in hopes to secure a spot for the semifinals, as they continue to run to the podium, and chase the gold medal.