On a beautiful late July evening in Bologna, Italy the IFAF 2019 U19 European Championships got underway with eight teams vying for the title.
With four games being played at two stadiums – CS Bernardi and Arcoveggio – the favorites did as they were expected to do.
Austria rolled over an undermanned Spanish team at Arcoveggio Stadium, handing them a 61-7 shellacking, serving notice to the rest of the teams that the Austrians are here to regain their title.
Team France needed a half to get rolling but ten scored 30 unanswered points in the second half to shut out Finland 30-0 in the blazing sun at CS Bernardi Stadium.
In the two late evening games (9 pm) Denmark and Sweden prevailed.
First Denmark, playing in front of an enthusiastic Italian crowd, were put to the test by a stubborn Team Italy. In fact, the Italians took a 6-3 second quarter lead before succumbing 17-6 to Denmark.
Sweden was also pushed by a Norwegian squad that continues to improve. The Swedes took a 13-7 lead into halftime and scored again in the fourth quarter to come away with a 20-7 win,
With that, Thursday, August 1 will see Austria and Denmark square off in one semifinal game at Arcoveggio Stadium while at CS Bernardi, Sweden and Team France will play in the other semifinal. Italy will face Spain in one consolation round game while Finland takes on Norway in the other.