Canada and Italy set for historic rematch in Milan
VANCOUVER and MILAN – The senior men’s national football teams of Canada and Italy will meet again in 2025, this time in a landmark fixture that also marks the public unveiling of the Gridiron Nations Championship (GNC)—a new international series designed to restore high-level global competition in men’s tackle football.
The game will take place at 3:00 p.m. CET on Sunday, November 9 at the historic Velodromo Vigorelli in Milan, and will serve as an official GNC fixture, following a request from Italy’s federation (FIDAF) to schedule a fall contest outside of domestic league constraints. This allows Italy to field its strongest roster against one of the world’s top-ranked programs.
This matchup follows Canada’s 56–0 victory over Italy in April in Cagliari, which is now recognized as an IFAF-sanctioned friendly. The November clash will carry full weight in GNC standings as part of the inaugural championship season.
Canada-Italy will be followed by Canada at Germany, at Lohrheidestadion – Wattenscheid in Bochum, on November 16, with a 4pm CET kickoff.
Introducing the Gridiron Nations Championship (GNC)
Founded in Spring 2025 by leading national federations, the Gridiron Nations Championship (GNC) was established to restore elite global competition in men’s tackle football. Modelled after formats such as rugby’s Six Nations, the GNC operates in alignment and coordination with IFAF policies, and governed and scheduled independently by its participating nations.
Designed as an annual event on the international calendar, the GNC offers national programs a stable and recurring opportunity to compete at the highest level. While its inaugural season features three nations—Canada, Germany, and Italy—the long-term strategy includes limited expansion to welcome additional competitive programs in future seasons.
The 2025 GNC follows a compact round-robin format, with win–loss records, and if necessary, point differential, determining the annual champion.
Jim Mullin, GNC Commission Chair:
“These games are the foundation for establishing an invitational world nations championship on an annual basis for years to come. It is truly exciting to build a global platform with committed and competitive partners from Canada, Germany, and Italy.”
AFVD Vice President Andreas Kelgemann of Germany:
“Global matchups between national teams are essential to give American Football the stage it deserves outside the USA. Only by competing internationally can the sport grow across borders – passionately, fairly, and at the highest level!”
Game Preview: Canada vs. Italy in Milan
“We wanted this second game because we believe our full national team can compete at the highest level in the fall,” said Fabio Tortosa, President of FIDAF. “April gave us lessons, but Milan gives us the platform. We thank Canada for respecting our request and look forward to showing Italian football’s progress.”
“Italy pushed for this game, and we respect that,” said Jesse Maddox, Head Coach and GM of Team Canada. “We’re treating it as a true test. Our players understand this championship is more than one big win—it’s about consistency, focus, and growth as we build toward November 16 in Bochum.”
GNC 2025 SCHEDULE
| Date | Matchup | Location | Status |
| April 19 | Canada def. Italy 56–0 | Cagliari, ITA | IFAF-sanctioned friendly |
| Oct 25–28 | Italy & Germany | Krefeld & Düsseldorf, GER | IFAF European Final Four |
| Nov 9 | Italy vs. Canada | Milan, ITA | GNC official fixture |
| Nov 16 | Germany vs. Canada | Bochum, GER | GNC official fixture |
GNC Scoring Note:
If Germany and Italy meet in the IFAF European Final Four medal round, that game will count toward GNC standings. If they do not meet, the team with the better record in that tournament will be credited with a win. Point differential will be calculated using average points for/against versus common opponents to break ties if needed.
GAME OVERVIEW
- Match: Canada vs. Italy (GNC Official Fixture)
- Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM CET
- Venue: Velodromo Vigorelli, Milan, Italy
- Broadcast: Live on IFAF.TV
VENUE: VELODROMO VIGORELLI
Built in the 1930s and recently restored, Velodromo Vigorelli is one of Milan’s most iconic sporting landmarks. Known for its history in both cycling and American football, the venue now symbolizes Italy’s growing commitment to international gridiron competition.
TICKETS & BROADCAST
- Ticketing: On sale soon via FIDAF.org and local Milan partners
- Broadcast Info: Live global coverage on IFAF.TV
ABOUT THE GRIDIRON NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP (GNC)
The Gridiron Nations Championship (GNC) is an elite, invitation-based global tackle football competition launched in 2025. Created by the national teams of Canada, Germany, and Italy, it operates independently under the policy framework of IFAF. The GNC delivers consistent, high-quality international fixtures and serves as a reliable platform for the sport’s growth on the world stage—while honoring the commitment, responsibility, and pride that come with representing one’s country. More information at nationschampionship.com.
