Jukka Jalonen, the most successful coach of the Finnish men's national ice hockey team, is currently preparing Italy's national team for the upcoming Olympics in Milan. His training regimen is in full swing, but the transition has not been without challenges, as he describes experiencing a culture shock adjusting to life in Italy. This adjustment is testing his patience as he navigates a new environment while striving for excellence with the team.

In a recent exhibition match against Germany, which Italy lost 3-4, Jalonen mentioned that despite Italy's capabilities, they faced initial challenges in the match, falling behind 3-0 before managing to narrow the score. He assessed the team's performance positively but noted the need for improvement as they prepare for more competitive scenarios. The team has shown resilience, responding well to challenges despite the early setbacks in the game.

Looking ahead, the Finnish coach anticipates the arrival of the Finnish men's team in Milan, who are due to start training soon. Jalonen remains optimistic about the preparation timeline and the potential of the Italian team, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high standard as they approach the Olympics. He acknowledges the need for continued development and readiness as the competition intensifies, particularly with additional reinforcements expected from North America for the German team.