Sweden vs Italy Preview & Prediction | 2026 Winter Olympics | Men’s Ice Hockey | Preliminary Round

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

After falling one short of the podium in 2022, Sweden are out for revenge this time round and start against Italy, the host nation.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports (some events will also be televised on the BBC / TNT Sports / Not Televised / USA – NBC, USA Network, CNBC & NBCSN

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ (some events can be streamed live on the BBC’s digital platforms / USA – Peacock & nbcolympics.com

Sweden vs Italy prediction

Sweden will be favoured to reach the latter stages in Milan when considering the squad at head coach Sam Hallam’s disposal. Despite losing Leo Carlsson and Jonas Brodin to injuries, there is plenty of world class players on the roster, which is made up exclusively of NHL star. Whether it be the experience of Erik Karlsson and captain Gabriel Landeskog or the individual flair of Elias Pettersson, there is lots to be excited about if you’re a Swedish fan.

Whilst Italy will have the home crowd behind them, they simply cannot compete with their opponents across the ice when it comes to the pedigree of players they possess and they will likely spend plenty of time without the puck over the course of these three periods. Any outcome other than a comprehensive Swedish win would be a surprise.

Sweden vs Italy tip: Sweden to win with -5.5 handicap