Both teams are now tied at the bottom of Group A with identical records of two losses and one tie.
Coming off consecutive losses against the Czechs and Canada, Uwe Krupp's team dominated the game, outshooting the Italians 34-21. Italy was sharper in front of the net, though, jumping out to a lead three times. Up by a man with the score knotted at 2-2 and only 1:32 left in the game, Germany even gave up a short-hander to fall behind 3-2. Christian Borgatello beat German goalie Olaf Kolzig high to the glove side on a 2-on-1 break.
The poised Germans responded just 15 seconds later. Krupp pulled Kolzig to create a 6-on-4 advantage. Kreutzer fired a shot from between the hashmarks and Goc, providing a screen in front of Italian goalie Jason Muzatti, deflected the puck into the net.
John Parco gave Italy a 1-0 lead just 2:03 into the game, beating Kolzig after a fine solo effort. Tomas Martinec evened the score 6:21 into the second period. Early in the third, Tony Iob and Sven Felski traded goals.