LIVESTREAM: Italian Semifinal – Lazio Ducks @Milano Seamen, June 23, 7p (11a EST)

| American Football | 06/23/2018

The 10-0 and defending Italian champion Milano Seamen will take on the 5-5 Lazio Ducks at Stadio Breda Sesto San Giovanni in Milano, Italy Saturday, June 23 in the first of two semifinals in Italy’s Division I.

The Seamen are coming off of a disappointing 43-42 loss to Germany’s Potsdam Royals two weeks ago in the final of the European Football League tournament. Meanwhile, Lazio enter the game with some momentum after handily defeating the Ancona Dolphins 32-12 in the wild card playoffs last week.

In the only meeting this season between these two teams, Milano had no trouble disposing of the Ducks, beating them 59-25.

Milano had the best offense and defense in Italy this season averaging 43 points for and a mere 10 against in the 10 game regular season. Lazio scored an average of 29.3 points per game but gave up pretty much the same, 29.4.

Nevertheless, Ducks quarterback Hans Fortune led the league in passing yardage with 2,503 yards and 28 TDs. Running back Mike Gentili finished the year in 3rd in rushing yardage with 780 yards and 11 TDs. WR Paolo Biancalana wound up 3rd in receiving yardage with 815 yards and 9 TDs.  Anrea Rinaldi who caught two touchdown passes in last week’s wild card win, was the seventh leading receiver in terms of yardage with 659 yards.

The potent Seamen offense is led by quarterback Luke Zahradka who finished right behind Fortune in passing yardage with 2,385 and league-best 40 TDs. His favorite target, Xavier Mitchell, led all receivers in Italy finishing with 946 yards and also a league-best 18 TD receptions. Stefano Di Tunisi was the sixth leading receiver in 2018 with 42 catches for 716 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The Ducks are up against a formidable defense. Seamen LB Kevin Khay finished 3rd in overall tackles with 53 but  and ended up with 53 tackles. Herbert Gamboa, of the Ducks wound up in 5th overall with 47.5 tackles. The Milano secondary is anchored by Paul Morant who is a true ball hawk. Fortune will have to keep an eye out for him at all times.

Milano would have to be the heavy favorites in this game but Lazio can trip them up if the offense kicks into high gear. Gentili needs to have a big day to take pressure off of Fortune.

Watch the game live here. Italian Semifinal – Lazio Ducks @Milano Seament, June 23, 7p (11a EST)

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