A moment 20 years in the making saw the host nation rejoice.
In front of a boisterous home crowd at the new Milano Santagiulia IHO, Italy put forth a convincing effort against France in Group B action, coming away with a 4-1 win over France.
It was a similar tale to the first game of the day between Germany and Sweden. While Italy came out swinging, it would be the French who would strike first, as Gabrielle de Serres scored for the visitors.
Yet, the lead wouldn’t last long. Exactly 60 seconds later, Kayla Tutino finished off a great feed from captain Nadia Mattivi to tie the game. Italy never looked back. The team that centralized together in Montreal looked like a group that had been training as one. They were able to play keep-away from France most of the game, never allowing their opponent many chances to score.
Azzurre took the lead with a few minutes to go in the second, as Rebecca Roccella tapped in a rebound. The Italians sealed the win with goals from Matilde Fantin and Kristin Della Rovere in the third.
Italy ended up outshooting the French, 46-15. Both teams went 0-for-1 on the power play.
France has a quick turnaround, taking on a rested Japanese team on Friday. The Italians face a tough test, as the hosts face the Swedes on Saturday.
Italy
Kristin Della Rovere, F
Della Rovere specifically made the choice to leave North America and the PWHL to pursue a spot on the Italian National Team. Early returns in Milan are certainly positive. Her drive to the net that led to Roccella’s game-winning goal showed how her speed and skill can be a difference-maker in the tournament. Her snipe on French goaltender Alice Philbert in the third was a thing of beauty as well.
Nadia Mattivi, D
Mattivi’s role on this Italian team cannot be overstated. Along with wearing the ‘C,’ she is one of the best players whenever she steps on the ice. The former Boston University star made a great play to set up Tutino in the first period. She ended up finishing the game as a +1 in 13:43 of ice time. When Italy faces the better teams in the group, expect the veteran to log a lot of minutes.
Rebecca Roccella, F
The line of Roccella, Della Rovere and Anna Caumo was all over the place on Thursday. Roccella’s huge goal was the difference in the game, but it was part of an effort for the 24-year-old. While she isn’t known as a big-time scorer with HC Davos in the SWHL A, Roccella’s awareness and speed make her a notable presence on the ice.
France
Alice Philbert, G
The end result might not have been what France wanted, but let’s be honest, things could’ve been a lot more one-sided had it not been for Philbert. The former Concordia University star made some huge saves, including many on her EV Bozen Eagles teammates. She was credited with 42 saves in the losing effort. If France wants any chance of getting a point in the tournament, they’ll need Philbert to stand on her head every game.
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