Switzerland vs Italy Preview & Prediction | 2026 Winter Olympics | Men’s Ice Hockey | Qualification Play-Offs

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Switzerland come into their play-off tie against host nation Italy as clear favourites to progress.

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

Switzerland vs Italy prediction

Italy’s 11-0 thrashing at the hands of Finland was a disappointing showing from their point of view, leaving with three losses from three in the preliminary round with 19 goals conceded, the most of any team across the competition. Switzerland meanwhile, gained some much-needed momentum with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over Czechia, the perfect reaction to losing 5-2 to Canada.

The Swiss was professional earlier in the tournament with a 4-0 win against lesser opposition in France. Italy are another opponent who don’t contain the same quality and are vulnerable from a defensive point of view. Expect Switzerland to take advantage and progress through to the quarter-finals fairly comprehensively.

Switzerland vs Italy tip: Switzerland to win with -3.5 handicap