Sweden fired 60 shots on the Italian goal - Jukka Jalonen: "I have never been in a game like this"

MILANO.

The first round matches of the Lions’ group in the Olympics have been played. Finland lost to Slovakia 1-4 and immediately after, Sweden defeated the host country Italy 5-2.

The league-familiar goalkeeper Damian Clara kept Italy afloat until he got injured in the third period. Sweden bombarded a tremendous number of shots towards the Italian goal, but could only roll to victory at the end of the match.

– We were completely overwhelmed at the start. They came at us so hard, I’ve never experienced anything like it in my career. If Clara hadn’t been good at the beginning, there would have been many goals, Italy’s head coach Jukka Jalonen said after the game.

– I don’t think [Sweden] came in with any ease. It felt like we were quite overwhelmed at the start.

Sweden led the shots on goal 60-22. Especially the numbers in the first period (27-3) were crushing. When was the last time Jalonen has been in such a game.

– I’ve been in a few times, just the other way around. We have shot 60 times, but I’ve never been on the receiving end.

The game leveled out a bit after the first period, which gives Jalonen hope for the future.

– We played for 55 minutes for the win and we even had a chance to equalize. Good spirit in the group and fighting spirit. Sometimes it pays off to play for the win against a team like Sweden.

– It won’t be easy going forward either. Just as good teams will face us on Friday and Finland in due time. We got to believe that when the goalkeeper plays well, anything can happen.

Jalonen also commented on the Lions’ opening game loss.

– Of course, I know the result. I followed the situation, where we stand. The fact that Slovakia is a good team was probably no surprise to anyone – not to us and probably not to Finland either, the Lions. Big boys, physical boys, a few good individuals.

Jaakko Perttilä
X: @JaakkoPerttila