Italian National Ball Hockey Federation

05/05/2026

A special thank you to our RMT, Daphné Ayotte whose contribution behind the scenes has been a key part of our journey.

Daphné was with us back in 2022 at the Men’s World Championship at Place Bell, and once again stepped up for the team this weekend in Laval. That kind of consistency and commitment means everything.

Throughout the tournament, she was always attentive, prepared, and ready when called upon — helping keep the players recovered, sharp, and performing at their best.

Her professionalism, dedication, and care do not go unnoticed. Championships are built on the efforts of an entire team, including those working tirelessly behind the scenes.

👏 Thank you, .at.masso.osteo , for taking such great care of the boys and being an important part of this championship once again. 🇮🇹🏆❤️

05/04/2026

05/04/2026

Italy Locks It Down and Captures Gold in a Defensive War

(2) Team Italy vs Team Greece (1)

This final was everything you expect from a championship—tight, physical, and unforgiving. Through two periods, neither side could find a breakthrough as both goaltenders delivered elite performances, turning away quality chances and keeping the game locked at 0-0. Every inch of the surface was contested, with blocked shots and defensive structure defining the pace.

The deadlock finally broke five minutes into the third. On the powerplay, Z. DiCesare capitalized, burying the opening goal off a setup from S. Petreccia. That moment shifted everything. Greece pushed hard for the equalizer, throwing everything toward the net, but Italy’s defensive unit remained composed under pressure.

With Greece pulling their goaltender in the final minute, Italy found the insurance marker as D. Lombardi sealed it into the open net. But the drama wasn’t over—just 20 seconds later, P. Amanatidis struck for Greece to cut the lead to one and ignite a frantic finish. Despite the late surge, Italy held strong in the final seconds to secure the gold medal in a gritty, hard-fought victory.

Both goaltenders were outstanding in a final defined by discipline, resilience, and clutch ex*****on.

The Heineken Player of the Game goes to Zack DiCesare of Team Italy for breaking the deadlock and delivering a pivotal performance in a tightly contested championship game.

05/04/2026

Italy Stands Tall Defensively to Secure Spot in the Final
(3) Team Italy vs Team United Nations (1)

Team Italy wasted no time setting the tone in this semifinal clash, as T. Gallivan struck within the opening three minutes to give his side an early lead. From there, Italy leaned into its structured, disciplined style, controlling the pace and limiting quality chances from Team United Nations throughout the game.

L. Mosca extended the lead in the second period with a well-timed finish, while Z. DiCesare added a third in the final frame to give Italy full control. United Nations continued to push and found a late power play goal to get on the board, but it proved to be too little, too late against a locked-in Italian defense.

Italy’s ability to shut down lanes and protect the middle of the surface once again proved to be the difference. Even with late pressure, United Nations struggled to break through consistently, as Italy calmly closed out the game to punch their ticket to the final.

The Heineken Player of the Game goes to Adam Delzotto of Team Italy for his dominant presence and impact across the surface, helping anchor a defensive performance that secured the win.

05/04/2026

Iannucci Takes Over as Italy Dominates Pakistan in Quarterfinal Statement

(6) Team Italy vs Team Pakistan (0)

Team Italy delivered a commanding quarterfinal performance, controlling the pace from the opening faceoff and never allowing Team Pakistan to find any rhythm. The Italian squad applied constant pressure, turning defensive stops into quick transitions and building momentum that carried through all three periods.

Italy’s offense was fueled by a trio of standout contributors, as J. Paglia, Z. DiCesare, and A. Dibiasi Iannucci each recorded two points. However, it was Iannucci who emerged as the clear difference maker, consistently driving the play, creating space, and capitalizing on key opportunities to break the game open. The balanced attack kept Pakistan on its heels, while disciplined structure ensured control throughout.

Team Pakistan showed effort but struggled to generate sustained chances against a well-organized Italian side. Every push was quickly shut down, and Italy’s defensive play combined with strong goaltending sealed the shutout in convincing fashion.

The Heineken Player of the Game goes to Adam Dibiasi Iannucci of Team Italy for his dominant two-point performance, controlling the game and standing out as the key difference maker in this quarterfinal victory.

05/04/2026

Italy Pulls Away Late in Strong Heritage Finish
(2) Team Lebanon vs Team Italy (4)

This Heritage matchup started as a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading chances and keeping the score close through the early stages. Team Lebanon showed resilience, matching Italy’s pace and capitalizing on key opportunities to stay within reach.

Y. Derohannessian and F. Nasser each found the back of the net for Lebanon, while support from P. Kawkab, J. Hassan, and M. Pharoah helped generate steady offensive pressure. However, as the game progressed, Team Italy began to take control, using disciplined ball movement and depth scoring to create separation.

M. Altomare led the way with a goal and an assist, while A. Dibiasi Iannucci, T. Gallivan, and Z. DiCesare each added goals to fuel the comeback push. Italy’s balanced attack and ability to capitalize on key moments ultimately proved too much, as they pulled away late to secure the win.

The Heineken Player of the Game goes to David Lombardi of Team Italy for his strong all-around performance, contributing offensively and playing a key role in driving the team’s momentum.