Austria W vs Italy W

Austria struck early. Forward Lena Dauböck opened the scoring at 3:45, burying a feed from Emma Lintner and Alina Hinum to put Austria ahead 1-0 before the game was four minutes old. The early goal held through the first period, with Austria outshooting Italy 8-5 in the opening frame.

The second period brought two goals in rapid succession. Tamara Grascher doubled Austria's lead at 27:11, assisted by Amelie Suppan. But Italy answered just 69 seconds later — Aurora Enrica Abatangelo pulled one back at 28:20, converting a pass from Annalisa Giuliani to make it 2-1.

Austria carried that one-goal lead into the third period. Italy pressed for an equaliser, pulling goaltender Margherita Ostoni for an extra attacker with 1:16 remaining, but the gamble backfired: Dauböck scored her second of the game into the empty net at 58:44 to seal the 3-1 win.

Italy's response goal inside 90 seconds of Grascher's strike could have shifted momentum decisively. At 2-1 with a full period to play, the Azzurre had the scoreboard within reach. But Austria's defence, supported by goaltender Davina Falmbigl (16 saves on 17 shots), never allowed Italy to level. Italy managed just four shots on goal in the third period — none dangerous enough to beat Falmbigl — and the empty-net gamble was Italy's last real chance.

Lena Dauböck (Austria W) — Two goals, including the opening strike and the clinching empty-netter. Dauböck was Austria's most dangerous forward throughout, creating multiple chances in all three periods.

Davina Falmbigl (Austria W) — 16 saves on 17 shots for a 94.12% save percentage. Falmbigl was perfect after the opening minute of the second period, making key stops to preserve the lead when Italy pushed hardest.

Margherita Ostoni (Italy W) — 23 saves on 25 shots (92.00% save percentage) despite the loss. Ostoni kept Italy in the game through heavy Austrian pressure, particularly in the first period.

Tamara Grascher (Austria W) — Scored the crucial 2-0 goal that proved to be the game-winner, and was a consistent presence through the middle of the ice.

Austria outshot Italy 26-17, reflecting sustained territorial advantage, though neither team scored on the power play (Austria 0/2, Italy 0/4). Austria's four penalties (8 PIM) to Italy's two (4 PIM) showed discipline was a minor concern, but Austria's penalty kill was perfect. The 1.53 shot differential per period (8.67 to 5.67) understates Austria's control — the real gap came in the third period, where Austria limited Italy to just four attempts while generating eight of their own.

Across the three-match tournament, Austria scored 7 goals and conceded 6; Italy scored 5 and conceded 9.

Austria finished the European Cup of Nations with two wins and one loss (5-2 defeat to hosts Slovakia, 2-0 win over the Netherlands, and this 3-1 victory over Italy). Italy also finished with one win (3-1 over the Netherlands) and two losses (1-5 to Slovakia, 1-3 to Austria).

The tournament was Austria's final preparation ahead of the 2026 IIHF Women's World Championship in Denmark (6-16 November). The Austrian roster in Bardejov was a significantly depleted one — captain Anna Meixner, Selma Luggin, Annika Fazokas, Charlotte Wittich, Theresa Schafzahl, Antonia Matzka and Magdalena Luggin all boycotted the training camp over a dispute with the ÖEHV concerning pay and conditions. The federation held dialogue sessions during the tournament to address the grievances, with ÖEHV Vice-President Yasmin Sarina Stepina stating the federation's intent to find "constructive conversations and solutions for the benefit of Austrian ice hockey."

For Italy, the tournament offered valuable game time against higher-ranked opposition as they continue their own development cycle. The Azzurre showed competitiveness in all three matches but struggled to sustain pressure against Austria's defensive structure.

A composed and professional performance from an Austrian side operating under unusual circumstances. Dauböck's double and Falmbigl's reliable goaltending papered over the absences, but the bigger story remains unresolved. The ÖEHV must reconcile with its missing stars before November's World Championship if Austria is to field its strongest possible team in Denmark. Italy, meanwhile, showed flashes of quality through Abatangelo but lacked the finishing edge to turn a tight game in their favour.