The Italian team, led by coach Bob Hanning, clearly lost the start of the first European Handball Championship since 1998 with 26:39 (12:21). Iceland was in strong shape and underlined their own status as favorites.
A 14-5 run from the 15th to the 30th minute paved the way to Iceland’s first win of the tournament. Italy didn’t come up with much in attack or defense to adequately put the Icelandic team under pressure. The Bundesliga duo of Omar Ingi Magnusson and Gisli Kristjansson (both SC Magdeburg) did not allow themselves to be disturbed by the constantly changing Italian defense variants and scored 13 goals together. Only Janus Smarason (eight goals) was more successful at the start.
Driven by 3,000 Iceland fans, the start was promising for the favorites, the only drawback was the exploitation of opportunities. The Icelanders missed too many free chances against a well-disposed Domenico Ebner (SC DHfK Leipzig). Thanks to Ebner’s three saves, the Italians were able to take the lead for the first time in the 10th minute (5:4). Iceland was unimpressed and relied on its own individual class.
Before the break: Iceland shocks Italy with a 14-5 run
Magnusson and Kristjansson combined playfully through the Italian defense, allowing Iceland to pull ahead with a 5-0 run to 12:7 (21st). Coach Hanning’s offensive 3:3 defense variant also did not bring the hoped-for success, so the Icelandic offensive machine continued to run without any problems. Since Italy’s goalkeeper was also no longer able to gain access, we went into the break with a 12:21 deficit.
Improved during the game against Italy: Iceland’s goalkeeper Viktor Gisli Hallgrimsson
The Icelandic handball players continued to inspire after halftime. In addition to the numerous Bundesliga professionals in the Icelandic ranks, ex-Magdeburg player Smarason in particular proved to be accurate. The 31-year-old increased the score to 28:18 (39th) with his seventh goal. Since Viktor Gisli Hallgrimsson also got better and better into the game with two penalty throws saved, the fans never had any hope of an Italian comeback.
Italy tries hard against Iceland Damage limitation
The Italians were able to rely on right winger Leo Prantner throughout the entire season. The left-hander from Füchse Berlin scored four times within eight minutes and kept the deficit in the single digits (24:33). Coach Snorri Gudjonsson was able to rotate early thanks to the comfortable lead, but that didn’t change Iceland’s superiority.
This was also due to substitute left winger Bjarki Mar Elisson, the ex-Lemgo professional used his playing time and scored his fourth goal to make it 37:24 (55th). It was also the outside player who set the final score at 39:26 and gave the Icelanders the perfect start to the tournament.
