Bolzano saw off Merano 5:0 in a club friendly match on Friday evening in Merano. The visitors took control early and never looked back, while the hosts struggled to find any rhythm against a side that had been finding form in recent weeks.
It was a straightforward affair with Bolzano making the most of their chances. Merano had not quite put their defensive issues behind them, and Bolzano took advantage of the space they were giving away. The result was never really in doubt after the opening exchanges.
Merano's recent run had been difficult — five straight matches against Gerdina and KHL Sisak with only one win coming. By then the pattern was clear enough, and Bolzano's visitors were playing with more confidence. They had picked up some momentum from their earlier encounters with HC Olimpija.
What Bolzano showed was a team that could punish mistakes without needing much possession. Merano simply did not have the answers to the movement they were facing. The old head settled things down in the visitors' camp, and they managed the game well once ahead.
The result means Bolzano can take something positive from this window of friendlies. Merano will need to address the issues that cost them points in their last few outings. A fifth goal was perhaps kind, but the margin of victory told the story of the evening.