Italy couldn’t have asked for a more inspiring start to their Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic journey, delivering a commanding 4-1 victory over France in front of a roaring home crowd. The full-match highlights released by the official Olympics channel perfectly capture the momentum swings, emotional surges, and big-moment brilliance that defined this historic matchup.
From the opening puck drop, France looked determined to spoil Italy’s home-ice debut. Their early pressure paid off when Gabrielle de Serres converted on a power play, slipping a shot past the Italian goaltender to put France up 1-0. The highlight reel shows the precision of that moment a clean setup, sharp puck movement, and a beautifully placed finish giving France a short-lived advantage. But Italy’s response was instant, fierce, and emphatic. Within just a minute, Kayla Tutino buried the equalizer off a crisp feed from team captain Nadia Mattivi, sending the home crowd into an eruption of cheers that can be felt even through the highlight footage. The energy in the Milano Santagiulia Arena—packed with over 9,000 fans-served as a turning point. Italy began to skate faster, forecheck harder, and shoot relentlessly, outpacing France in both intensity and opportunity.
As the game moved into the second period, Italy’s dominance became even more apparent. The highlight package showcases wave after wave of Italian attacks, culminating in Rebecca Roccella’s go-ahead goal at 15:17. After a rush led by Kristin Della Rovere, Roccella pounced on a rebound and rooted the puck into the net—a goal that electrified the arena and shifted the momentum decisively in Italy’s favor.
The third period tells the rest of the story – and the highlight reel captures every moment of Italy’s surge. Just 15 seconds into the period, Matilde Fantin delivered one of the game’s most spectacular goals. Bursting down the right wing, she powered past the French defense and lifted a backhander short-side into the net. It’s a must-see moment in the video, both for her skill and the unbelievable crowd reaction. Italy sealed the win minutes later when Kristin Della Rovere, who had already made her presence felt with strong playmaking, fired home Italy’s fourth goal. Her wrist shot from the right faceoff circle beat the French goalie high to the short side — a precision strike that underscored Italy’s superior shot-making and confidence.
What makes the official highlight video especially compelling is not just the goals, but the story it tells in between. Italy outshot France 46-15, and the broadcast shows the pressure they applied from start to finish —pinning France in their zone, winning puck battles, and creating a constant sense of threat. It also captures the emotional weight of the moment: Italy earning their first-ever women’s Olympic ice hockey win, fueled by a passionate home crowd that chanted “Italia! Italia!” throughout the game. For fans who want the complete cinematic experience of this milestone performance, the full highlight video is available through the official Olympics channel. It’s nearly six minutes of fast-paced, high-energy storytelling -every shot, every celebration, every turning point.
This match wasn’t just a win on paper. It was a statement. A declaration that Italy, once considered an underdog in women’s hockey, has arrived on the Olympic stage with skill, heart, and a fiercely supportive crowd behind them. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or a casual Olympic viewer, the highlights of Italy vs. France are an essential watch—a powerful reminder of how sport can ignite a nation.
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