Italy has officially announced the first six members of its team for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The announcement, made on June 16, 2025, marks a significant step in the preparations for the Games, which are set to take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026.
The six players named to the preliminary roster represent a mix of talent and experience. The selected players are Damian Clara, Diego Kostner, Thomas Larkin, Daniel Mantenuto, Tommy Purdeller and Luca Zanatta.
"We are looking forward to the Olympics, for most of us it really is a dream come true. The guys we have chosen are obviously very good players, but also great teammates,” explains the head coach of the Italian national team, Jukka Jalonen.
These initial selections offer a glimpse into the potential composition of the final team and provide a foundation upon which to build as the Games draw closer. The remaining players will be announced at a later date.
The 2026 Winter Olympics hold particular significance for ice hockey, as it will be the first time in 12 years that NHL players will participate. This highly anticipated return of NHL talent is expected to elevate the level of competition and excitement surrounding the tournament, drawing even more attention from fans, media, and athletes alike.
The selection process for the Italian team, like that of other participating nations, is a meticulous one. While these six players have been named to the preliminary roster, their place on the final team is not yet guaranteed. Factors such as performance in upcoming games, fitness levels, and team chemistry will all be taken into consideration as the coaching staff makes their final decisions.
The Games will be spread across the Lombardy and Northeast Italy regions, with Milan hosting primarily ice events. The main venue for ice hockey will be the new Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which will have a capacity of 14,000. A secondary venue, the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, will hold 5,700 spectators.
The Italian team will compete in Group B, alongside Finland, Sweden, and Slovakia. The complete rosters for each team will be announced at the beginning of 2026. The final list of athletes participating in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will be confirmed by the respective National Olympic Committees, as per the Olympic Charter.
With the announcement of the first six players, Italy has taken a significant step towards preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics. As the host nation, the Italian team will undoubtedly be looking to make a strong impression on home ice, and the selection of these initial players is a clear indication of their commitment to achieving that goal. The coming months will be crucial as the remaining roster spots are filled and the team ফাইনly prepares for the challenge ahead.
