The Stats Zone
May 20 2019, 11:43 · Ash Wheldon

2019 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships – Austria vs Italy Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When does Austria vs Italy start? Monday 20th May, 2019 – 19:15 (UK)

Where is Austria vs Italy being played? Ondrej Nepela Arena, Slovakia

What television channel is Austria vs Italy on in the UK? This match will not be televised live in the UK

Where can I stream Austria vs Italy in the UK? This match cannot be streamed live in the UK

Where can I get tickets for Austria vs Italy? https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2019/wm/static/6180/tickets

THE STATISTICS

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Austria 4-3 Italy

THE TEAM NEWS

AUSTRIA

  • Austria are still searching for their first win of the tournament after they were heavily beaten by the Czech Republic in their last game with the Czechs able to produce a shutout against the Austrians.

  • The 8-0 reverse means Austria have now conceded 36 goals in the competition so far whilst they have scored just six and means they must beat Italy to avoid relegation after a disappointing campaign.

  • Austria surprisingly rested some key players in their game against Czech Republic with forwards Michael Raffl, Peter Schneider and Konstantin Komarek all set to return to the side for this crucial contest.

ITALY

  • Italy finally scored their first goal at the 2019 IIHF World Championships with the Italians finding the back of the net in the 343rd minute of being on the ice but they suffered another heavy loss.

  • They were beaten 7-1 by Norway but still have a chance of retaining their elite status if they can beat Austria although it looks a difficult task after conceding 45 goals so far in this tournament.

  • Italian defenceman Armin Helfer was the man that provided the assist for his side’s first goal of the competition but this could be his final game at a World Championships as he ponders his future.

THE PREDICTION

Austria rested some of their key players in preparation for this relegation do-or-die encounter with Italy. Some will argue time on the ice will have served those players better after a poor tournament but the Austrians won’t care as long as they pick up their first win to retain their elite status. Italy scored their first goal of the tournament against Norway and will hope they can build on that now the pressure is off in that regard but their problems in defence are likely to be too much and the Austrians will survive.