On Friday, the undefeated United States women’s ice hockey team faces host nation Italy women’s ice hockey team in a quarterfinal clash that pits a dominant team against the team playing on home ice. The Americans completed the preliminary stage with a perfect 4-0 record and a slew of lopsided victories, including a historic 5-0 shutout of perennial rival Canada. Italy punched its first Olympic quarterfinal berth in history with a win over Japan earlier in the tournament. Before Friday’s puck drop continue reading to find my USA vs Italy prediction below.
Our USA vs Italy Pick
Pick:
Confidence: ★★★★☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: United States vs Italy
- Date & Time: Friday, February 13, 2026, 3:10 p.m. ET
- Venue: Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy
- Broadcast: NBC and Peacock
Key Storylines
Recent Form
The United States enters this quarterfinal unbeaten and in peak form. Group play saw the Americans outscore opponents by a substantial margin, including a 5-0 shutout of Canada. That was the first time in Olympic women’s hockey history that Canada was blanked. Team USA also got decisive wins over Finland, Switzerland, and Czechia. Through four games, the U.S. has piled up 21 goals while allowing just 2, underlining both their scoring depth and defensive discipline.
Italy’s path to the quarterfinals has been more modest but impressive for a host nation making history. After a 4-1 win over France and a pivotal 3-2 victory over Japan to clinch a knockout berth, Italy dropped games to Sweden and Germany. The Italians sit at 2-2 overall, and while the talent gap is clear, they have shown they can stay competitive early and capitalize on limited chances.
Goaltending
Aerin Frankel has been outstanding in net for the United States, posting multiple shutouts and carrying a save percentage north of 95%. She has allowed just 1 goal in her last 3 appearances, giving the Americans confidence to press offensively without sacrificing defensive stability.
Italy’s starting goaltender has faced heavy shot volumes throughout the tournament. Against high-powered attacks such as Sweden’s, she allowed 6 goals, and the U.S. offense represents an even steeper test. If Italy is to keep this within reach, their netminder will need a career performance.
Key Skaters
Hilary Knight continues to build her Olympic legacy, entering the quarterfinal with 4 goals and 3 assists in group play. Hannah Bilka has added 5 points of her own, while defender Caroline Harvey has contributed from the blue line with 4 assists and strong puck movement.
For Italy, Kristin Della Rovere leads the team with 3 goals, including the decisive tally against Japan. Matilde Fantin has chipped in 2 goals and remains Italy’s most dangerous forward in transition.
Betting Trends & H2H
- USA is 4-0 in the tournament with 3 wins by 4 or more goals.
- The Over has hit in 3 of USA’s 4 games.
- Italy has allowed 4 or more goals in 2 of 4 games.
- This is the first Olympic meeting between these programs.
United States vs Italy Model Projection
Score Projection:
Win Probability:
Final Thoughts
