After a tough loss against Sweden two days ago, Italy bounced back with a 3–2 win over Japan thanks to two goals from Matilde Fantin and the game-winner from Toronto Sceptres forward Kristin Della Rovere. Despite a late push from Japan to pull within one, Italy was able to hold on for the victory.
For Della Rovere, it marked her second goal of the tournament after also finding the scoresheet in Italy’s opening game against France. Her 26:47 of ice time led all Italian forwards in the contest.
Italy now sits second in Group B with six points, trailing only Sweden, the team they lost to in their previous outing. Germany, currently in third place with a game in hand, could potentially leapfrog the Italians with a win over France later today. A German victory would set up an enticing matchup between the two sides tomorrow at 10:40 AM ET as they jockey for position in the standings.