When is Varese-Pergine played and what is the situation in the standings?

The match will be played on Saturday at 6.30 pm at the Acinque Ice Arena in Varese. This is a direct clash valid for the fourth day of IHL. Both teams, together with Feltre, are currently at 3 points in the standings, separated by six lengths from the leading pair formed by Caldaro and Aosta, who drive at 9 points.

What are the expected absences for the Mastiffs of Varese?

For the challenge against the Pergine, the Mastiffs will have to do without Captain Vanetti, stopped for about twenty days due to a muscle problem, and Terzago, still unavailable. These absences force the technical staff to a reduced defensive rotation of five men. Franchini's presence, on the other hand, remains uncertain and will depend on his physical condition in the hours before the match.

What aspects of Varese's game are under observation?

The focus is on managing the start of the match, after the difficult start recorded against Caldaro. The offensive production is monitored, which in the last outing saw 35 shots on goal, and the effectiveness of the power play, defined as completely overturned compared to last season. The defense, while offering positive signs, needs more lucidity and oxygen, while the attack focuses on the versatility of players such as Bastille, De Toni, Borghi, Piroso and Glasman.

Varese-pergine mastiffs: challenge to the acinque ice arena

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 4 October 2026

Ice hockey match of Mastini Varese at the Acinque Ice Arena.

Saturday at 18.30 the Mastiffs host the Pergine. Varese, Pergine and Feltre look for points in the ranking at level 3 on the fourth day of IHL.

Context

In brief

Varese host Pergine on Saturday at 18.30
Mastini and Linci are on 3 points
Vanetti and Terzago remain out
Franchini may be called up

Key facts

Game → Varese-Pergine
Venue → Acinque Ice Arena
Standings → Varese, Pergine and Feltre are on 3 points
Absences → Vanetti and Terzago
Shots on goal → Varese 35, Caldaro 33
Power play → figure reversed compared with last year

At 18.30 on Saturday, Varese's Mastini host Pergine at the Acinque Ice Arena. It is a direct clash between two mid-table teams: Varese, Pergine and Feltre are level on 3 points, six points behind the Caldaro-Aosta duo. The game is part of the fourth matchday of the IHL and comes after the Mastini's away game at Caldaro.

The game in South Tyrol left one certainty and one obligation. The certainty concerns the character of the team coached by Dave Rich. Trailing 3-0 after less than nine minutes, the black-and-yellow side got back into the game in the second period. Then Selva's goal, scored 11 seconds before the second buzzer, shifted the momentum toward the Lucci, who managed to confirm their superiority in the third period.

The obligation is to turn that reaction into points against a Pergine side described as a strong team. The Linci will also bring their supporters to the Acinque Ice Arena, while Varese will have to reproduce the quick attacks and offensive play shown in the last outing.

A team with more options

Against Caldaro, the Mastini finished with 35 shots on goal, compared with 33 attempts by their opponents. The numbers reflect an attack with several options: Bastille, De Toni, Borghi, Piroso and the new arrival Glasman are listed among the most dangerous players up front.

The defense also offered positive signs, although it needs reinforcements to preserve energy and focus. Filippo Matonti was once again among the best. Among the goaltenders, Leonardo Mordenti's return home is also noted. Another positive element is the power play, described as completely transformed compared with last year.

The roster and the home-ice factor

Dave Rich will decide whether to dress Franchini based on the forward's physical condition. Captain Vanetti will remain out for around twenty days because of a muscle problem, while Terzago is still unavailable. The absence of both forces the defense to operate with a five-man rotation.

The performances against Fassa and Caldaro are presented as an incentive to fill the arena. According to the game preview, the black-and-yellow faithful will have to be the extra man on the ice.

Operational details

The comparison between Varese and Pergine’s campaigns explains why the game has the profile of a direct clash, without turning the standings into a prediction. After three matchdays, both teams have 3 points, along with Feltre, while Caldaro and Aosta lead with 9.

Table 1: Team
Team	Campaign in the opening matchdays
Varese	Home defeat to Appiano 2-4; win at Fassa 5-3; away game at Caldaro
Pergine	Home defeat to Fassa 3-6; comeback against Val Pusteria Junior 4-3; home defeat to Appiano 1-5

The most useful reference point is Fassa. Varese won on its ice, while Pergine lost at home against the same team. It is the comparison that warrants a fair degree of optimism, but the same source reminds us that every game is a story unto itself. The outcome of the direct clash will therefore depend on the ability to reproduce the positive indications on the ice, not merely on the sequence of previous games.

The Linci profile

Pergine should not be underestimated either because of last season’s campaign. The Linci of Valsugana finished fifth and, in the playoff quarterfinals, immediately overturned home-ice advantage against Appiano. This is a precedent that supports a cautious reading of the game.

James Thomas Dowd is the name identified as the main offensive reference point. He has already scored against Fassa and Appiano and has been well supported by Foccoli, Bitetto and Dellmar Speranza. Andreotti, meanwhile, is described as a player capable of striking in crucial moments. Defensively, some uncertainty remains in the Linci’s setup: this is the weak point the Mastini will have to try to exploit.

The key to the clash

The game therefore pits Varese’s offensive variety against an opponent that has shown quality, but also possible vulnerability at the back. The Pergine crowd will be passionate, while the yellow-and-black crowd is called upon to support the team at the Acinque Ice Arena. For those who also consult the portal for annunci lavoro, this page remains dedicated to sports coverage: the data to follow here are results, standings, setups and performance on the ice.

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Key points

To follow Varese vs Pergine in an organized way, the first reference is the schedule for the fourth day of IHL. The Mastini's appointment is set for Saturday at 6:30 PM at the Acinque Ice Arena. In the same round, Appiano vs Pusteria Junior is scheduled at 7:00 PM, followed by Caldaro vs Fassa, Feltre vs Valpellice at 7:30 PM, and Aosta vs Alleghe at 8:00 PM. Fiemme, meanwhile, observes a rest day.

Five steps to follow

1. Check Varese's lineup. The decision regarding Franchini will depend on the forward's physical condition. Vanetti and Terzago remain out, forcing the defense to rotate with five men.

2. Watch the start. In Caldaro, the Mastini were down 3-0 after less than nine minutes, but they reacted in the second period. Managing the start will therefore be one of the first elements to observe.

3. Measure offensive production. Against Caldaro, Varese shot 35 times, while their opponents finished 33 times. Fast transitions and the ability to involve Bastille, De Toni, Borghi, Piroso, and Glasman represent the benchmarks indicated on the eve of the match.

4. Follow power plays and defensive coverage. The power play game is described as much improved compared to last year; at the back, however, the group needs more oxygen and clarity.

5. Read the result alongside the other matches. Varese and Pergine both start with 3 points, so the final score will need to be placed within the context of the standings after the fourth round.

The follow-up to the match can also be found on the 'Porta tre dischi' podcast. The second episode of the broadcast that aired on Tuesday the 29th on Radio Materia is available, featuring Marcello Borghi as a guest in the studio. The yellow-and-black striker chose the three songs that punctuated his interview.

For those who use Frontaliere Ticino beyond sports news, the cost of living Ticino vs Italy is available. For the practical section dedicated to income, use the salary calculator.

Source: varesenews.it

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Varese-Pergine played and what is the situation in the standings?: The match will be played on Saturday at 6.30 pm at the Acinque Ice Arena in Varese. This is a direct clash valid for the fourth day of IHL. Both teams, together with Feltre, are currently at 3 points in the standings, separated by six lengths from the leading pair formed by Caldaro and Aosta, who drive at 9 points.
What are the expected absences for the Mastiffs of Varese?: For the challenge against the Pergine, the Mastiffs will have to do without Captain Vanetti, stopped for about twenty days due to a muscle problem, and Terzago, still unavailable. These absences force the technical staff to a reduced defensive rotation of five men. Franchini's presence, on the other hand, remains uncertain and will depend on his physical condition in the hours before the match.
What aspects of Varese's game are under observation?: The focus is on managing the start of the match, after the difficult start recorded against Caldaro. The offensive production is monitored, which in the last outing saw 35 shots on goal, and the effectiveness of the power play, defined as completely overturned compared to last season. The defense, while offering positive signs, needs more lucidity and oxygen, while the attack focuses on the versatility of players such as Bastille, De Toni, Borghi, Piroso and Glasman.