Switzerland and Italy meet in the qualifier round of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Puck drop is set for 6:10 a.m. EST at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy. The game will be broadcast live on CNBC and streamed on Peacock.
Switzerland is favored by -3.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6.5 (-118o/ -102u). Switzerland is a -1800 favorite to win outright, while Italy is +1000 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Switzerland vs Italy predictions and Olympic hockey picks.
Italy vs. Switzerland Odds, Pick
| Italy Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 +110 | 6.5 -118o / -102u | +1000 |
| Switzerland Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -130 | 6.5 -118o / -102u | -1800 |
- Switzerland vs. Italy Puck Line: Switzerland -3.5 (-125), Italy +3.5 (+105)
- Switzerland vs. Italy Over/Under: 6.5 (-118o / -102u)
- Switzerland vs. Italy Moneyline: Switzerland -1800, Italy +1000
Switzerland vs. Italy Preview
Switzerland
With the top four countries established, Switzerland earned the highest seed among the remaining eight qualifying teams. As a result, it draws the lowest seed, Italy.
This should be an easy matchup for the Swiss.
Switzerland played well in the opening round, routing France 4-0 before securing a 4-3 overtime upset over Czechia. Its lone loss came against Canada, a result that is understandable given the likelihood of a United States-Canada gold medal matchup.
Switzerland features a solid NHL presence that should cause problems for Italy. Forward Timo Meier has been particularly impressive, scoring three goals through the first three games.
Italy
More than an endorsement of Switzerland, this betting line reflects how overmatched Italy has been. Italy lost all three of its round-robin games, finishing with an 11-goal defeat to Finland.
Finland is clearly stronger than Switzerland, but not by seven goals. Italy was outclassed from start to finish, getting outshot 64-15 in one of the most lopsided games in recent memory.
It remains unclear who Italy will start in net, though it may not matter. Both Davide Fadani and Damian Clara appeared in the game against Finland and struggled behind a porous defense.
Fadani allowed five goals on 24 shots for a .792 save percentage, while Clara surrendered six goals on 38 shots for a .842 mark.
Switzerland vs. Italy Prediction
If Finland can defeat Italy by 11 goals while outshooting it by nearly 50, Switzerland is more than capable of covering -3.5.
Italy does not have an NHL player on its roster, and both goaltenders enter this contest in poor form. Switzerland holds the advantage across every position group, with NHL-caliber talent throughout the lineup.
With this being an elimination game, Italy would likely pull its goaltender early if trailing by multiple goals in the third period, increasing the likelihood of a late insurance tally. However, I doubt it even gets to that point.
Pick: Switzerland -3.5 (-125 at DraftKings | Play to -130)
