In a shocking display of dominance, Finland's national hockey team, the Lions, crushed the host nation Italy with an unprecedented 11-0 scoreline in Milan. This match not only showcased Finland's prowess on the ice but also marked a new record for the largest victory margin in the professional era of the Olympics. The Lions' offense was relentless, with seven different players contributing to the score and an astonishing 62 shots on goal compared to Italy's 15, demonstrating a clear disparity in skill and execution.

The game saw Finland scoring three goals in both the first and second periods, followed by a staggering five additional goals in the final period, leaving the Italian team demoralized. Post-game interviews revealed the stark reality for the Italian squad, with captain Thomas Larkin expressing regret over the match's outcome and a desire for it to be over sooner. Larkin's comments highlighted the emotional toll of the defeat, as he stated, "No one wants to see double-digit scores on the board. It hurts." The outcome was particularly poignant for Italy, a host nation that hoped for a different result.

Jukka Jalonen, the head coach of the Finnish team, was observed from behind the Italian bench, perhaps reflecting on the significant disparity that the game presented. Larkin acknowledged the importance of goal differentials in tournament play, but found little solace in understanding as the devastating score sunk in. The match serves not only as a lesson for Italy but also cements Finland's status as a formidable opponent on the international stage, raising expectations for their future performances in the tournament.