The Italian women's national team Italy will participate in an Olympic ice hockey tournament for the second time at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Their only previous appearance was in 2006, also as hosts. At that time, the Italian women finished eighth and last in the eight-nation tournament, without a single victory. Italy has yet to win an Olympic or World Championship medal. The team is currently ranked 17th in the IIHF world rankings and achieved promotion to World Championship Division IA in 2025.
As hosts, Italy automatically qualifies for the tournament. The squad is a mix of Italian players and naturalized players with North American backgrounds, and brings significantly more international experience than in 2006.
Key players / Players to watch
Kristin Della Rovere is a key player on offense. The Ontario-born center played for the Ottawa Charge in the PWHL's inaugural season before moving to Italy to be eligible to play for the Italian national team. She led the scoring race in the European Women's Hockey League with 48 points in 20 games and also impressed at the Division 1B World Championship with seven points. Kayla Tutino, a former CWHL All-Star and long-time top performer at both the college and club levels, will also be a significant asset, bringing experience and hockey IQ to the team.
Another key offensive talent is 19-year-old Matilde. Fantin, who has been part of the national A-team since she was 16, was the top scorer at the 2024 Division 1B World Championship and gained valuable experience during her freshman season at Penn State University. The attack is further strengthened by players such as Manuela Heidenberger and Anna Caumo, who have already demonstrated their scoring potential at the international level.
Laura Fortino is the key figure on defense. The former Canadian national team player won Olympic gold in 2014 and Olympic silver in 2018 and brings a wealth of experience to the Italian team. Together with Kristen Guerriero and captain Nadia Mattivi, the reigning SDHL Defender of the Year with Luleå HF, she forms the stable core of the defense. Mattivi is considered one of the best European defenders and assumes a crucial leadership role.
Martina Fedel is the undisputed number one in goal. She played a key role in Italy's promotion to Division IA, kept a clean sheet in all her appearances at the last World Championship, and continues to impress at the college level in Canada with consistently strong performances. Gabriella Durante, born in Calgary, Canada, is Italy's second choice. However, she impressed in the game against Sweden after Fedel was substituted and started in the match against Japan. As backup, the young and promising talent Margherita Ostoni, aged 20, is ready to serve as the third goalie.
Analysis and outlook for the duel with Germany
The team is characterized by strong cohesion, an improved defensive structure, and individual players of top international caliber. However, squad depth remains limited compared to established nations. The Italians celebrated a 4-1 victory against Olympic debutants France in their opening match. Against Sweden, the Azzurre put up a strong fight for much of the game but ultimately succumbed to a 1-6 defeat. In their match against Japan, the Italians displayed a spirited team performance, which was rewarded with their second victory in this Olympic tournament.
For the German women's national team, Italy is an opponent that must be approached with the necessary concentration and discipline. Previous head-to-head matches favor Germany, including a 4-1 victory in the 2021 Olympic qualifiers and a 5-2 win at the 2006 Olympic Games. In the preliminary round match on February 10, 2026, both Germany and Italy will be vying for a chance to advance to the quarterfinals.
Italy, the surprise contender at the Milan Winter Olympics, will do everything in its power to advance beyond the preliminary round for the first time. For the German team, the goal is to consistently demonstrate their own playing quality and take the initiative from the host nation early on.
Italy, the surprise contender at the Milan Winter Olympics, will do everything in its power to advance beyond the preliminary round for the first time. For the German team, the goal is to consistently demonstrate their own playing quality and take the initiative from the host nation early on.