Sweden vs Italy: Prediction, facts, betting tips and H2H — May 22, 2026
Sweden
Italy
On Friday, May 22, we will be treated to another 2026 Ice Hockey World Championship group-stage clash as Sweden take on Italy. The game gets underway at 20:20 CET, and here is the recommended bet for the matchup.
Sweden vs Italy: Match preview
Sweden brought several NHL players to this year’s tournament and are widely regarded as one of the favourites to claim gold. Their campaign began with a 5–3 defeat to Canada, before they bounced back with an emphatic 6–2 victory over Denmark. However, Tre Kronor then suffered another setback, falling to Czechia in overtime. They responded in style last time out by crushing Slovenia 6–0.
That leaves Sweden with six points from four matches and fifth place in the standings, just one point behind the playoff positions.
Italy, meanwhile, are still pointless and locked in a battle for survival in the elite division of the World Championship. The Italians have lost all four of their games so far: 6–0 to Canada, 4–1 to Slovakia, 4–0 to Norway, and 3–1 to Czechia.
To their credit, they gave Czechia a genuine fight and even held the lead after the second period, but they were unable to hold on for a positive result. With zero points from four games, it appears their decisive clash against Denmark will ultimately define their fate.
Match facts and H2H
- Italy are still without a win at this World Championship.
- Italy have scored just two goals — the worst attacking record in the tournament.
- In the most recent meeting between the teams, Sweden defeated Italy 5–2.
Prediction
Italy may put up resistance, but with their crucial showdown against Denmark still to come, their focus may already be shifting toward that must-win encounter. Sweden should take care of business without major issues, and the recommended bet is Tre Kronor to score over 5 total goals.
