Italy fell narrowly short against Slovakia ©Getty Images

Italy fell short of marking their International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Men's World Championships return with victory as they fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat to Slovakia at the LANXESS Arena in Cologne.

The Italian team are the lowest ranked side in the top division having secured promotion last year, following a two-year absence.

They were forced to respond to an early setback when Michel Miklik gave Slovakia a 1-0 lead in the first period of the Group A match.

Strikes from Giovanni Morini and Luca Frigo saw Italy turn the match around, but they proved unable to hold on as Libor Hudacek struck in the closing minutes of the third period.

Slovakia would snatch an overtime winner from Peter Ceresnak.

Latvia began their Group A campaign in comfortable fashion, with their team securing an impressive 3-0 win over Denmark.

Germany were unable to build upon their opening day victory yesterday, as they lost 7-2 to Sweden.

Switzerland clinched a dramatic victory over Slovenia in Group B ©Getty Images
Switzerland clinched a dramatic victory over Slovenia in Group B ©Getty Images

A thrilling Group B contest in Paris between Switzerland and Slovenia ended in a dramatic 5-4 win for the former at the AccorHotels Arena. 

The Swiss team had looked on course to secure a straightforward win after taking a 4-0 lead in the first period.

Slovenia were able pull one back in the second period, before hauling themselves level with three goals in the third.

The match would be decided via a penalty shoot-out, with Switzerland eventually claiming a dramatic win.

The Czech Republic responded to an opening day defeat in fine fashion, as they sealed a 6-1 win over Belarus.

Hosts France will began their campaign with a 3-2 loss to Norway in front of their own fans.