Great Britain were beaten 4-2 by Italy in their opening game at the Women’s Four Nations in Katowice on Tuesday afternoon.
GB went ahead after only 48 seconds as Jodie Alderson-Smith sent Katie Marsden down the left-wing and she cut inside and went five-hole under netminder Carlotta Regine.
Stephanie Towns won the face-off to create GB’s second before Abi Culshaw got a touch to set-up Ellie Patrick to score her first international goal (12:15).
Italy scored twice in 57 seconds to bring themselves level as Manuela Heidenberger got the final touch to a loose puck on the doorstep (31:23), while Samantha Gius tipped in Nadia Maier’s shot (32:20).
GB netminder Nicole Jackson denied Matilde Fantin on a third-period breakaway, before Gius redirected Amie Fielding Varano’s shot from the left circle to put Italy in-front on the powerplay (48:13).
Italy scored their fourth 79 seconds later through Franziska Stocker’s one-timer from the right circle after great build-up play from Mia Campo Bagatin (49:32).
GB return to action tomorrow when they face hosts Poland at 8pm (7pm UK time).
Great Britain schedule and results – Women’s Four Nations
Tuesday 7th February: Italy 4-2 Great Britain – Goals: Katie Marsden, Ellie Patrick
Wednesday 8th February: Great Britain v Poland 8pm (7pm UK time)
Thursday 9th February: Denmark v Great Britain 4:30pm (3:30pm UK time)