GNC: Canada survives Italy in Milan showdown

By John Mahnen

MILAN – On a crisp Sunday afternoon inside the historic Velodromo Vigorelli, two national programs clashed in a contest of wills. The inaugural edition of the Gridiron Nations Championship (GNC) delivered exactly what a fledgling international event needs: drama, momentum swings, a vintage trophy, and a game decided in the final seconds. In front of an ebullient home crowd, Canada edged Italy 20–17, but the legacy for the Azzurri is far greater than the defeat. 

For the setting, few places could match the sense of history. The Giuseppe Vigorelli Velodrome, a temple of speed and courage since the 1930s, once roared to the exploits of track-cycling legends like Antonio Maspes, the seven-time world sprint champion known for his explosive acceleration and defiant spirit. On this November day, that same defiance seemed to fill the air again — only this time it came from helmets and shoulder pads instead of steel bikes and wooden boards. 

From the first snap, Italy struck an early chord. The Canadians, returning the opening kickoff, were bottled up immediately by a resolute Italian front. It was a message: this would not be easy. Italy’s quarterback Luke Zahradka orchestrated a poised drive, aided by Canadian penalties, and kicker William Testa slotted a 25-yard field goal to make it 3-0. 

Canada responded methodically. Quarterback Michael O’Connor found his rhythm with short throws and screens, and kicker Adam Preocanin tied the score at 3-3 with a 42-yard effort. The big moment came when Canada’s offense, again aided by penalties, marched downfield and finished with a 13-yard touchdown run by Jamal Lyles, setting the half-time score at 10-3. 

Yet Italy would not fade. The third quarter exploded into life when running back Ryan Minniti hauled in a one-handed interception on Canada’s first drive — a turn-of-tide moment that ignited the Vigorelli crowd. Cosimo Casati followed with a 24-yard burst, and three successive Canadian defensive infractions opened the door. Minniti finished it from six yards to tie the game at 10-10. 

It only bought Canada a moment. Chris Merchant took over at quarterback and quickly engineered a drive into the red zone. Lyles, again the difference maker, caught a short pass and powered over for his second touchdown. Preocanin’s kick restored Canada’s lead at 17-10 heading into the fourth quarter. 

Italy’s answer came early in the final period: Zahradka hit Andrea Volonnino on a sharp out route at the goal line for the touchdown, and Testa’s kick made it 17-17. The crowd roared and belief spread through the stands like the echo of Maspes’s sprints once had on these same boards — an echo of pure Milanese pride. 

With just over six minutes remaining, Canada’s special teams set the tone — a solid return and controlled field position. Preocanin drilled a 35-yard field goal to edge Canada ahead 20-17. Italy’s final two-minute charge had everyone at the Vigorelli on their feet. Zahradka converted a fourth-down pass, moved into the Canadian 25-yard line with seconds left, and Testa lined up a potential game-tying 42-yard attempt. The ball left his foot cleanly but fell short. Canada survived, 20-17. 

Discipline cost Canada multiple times; yet their defense made key plays and their special teams ultimately flipped the field. Italy showed a maturity beyond what many expected — from patient offensive structure early to attacking bravado late, their progression was clear and encouraging. 

Stand-out performances: Canada’s Jamal Lyles scored twice and converted key third downs all afternoon. Chris Merchant provided composure in relief and led two scoring drives. Adam Preocanin was perfect on both field goals and extra points. For Italy, Ryan Minniti’s interception and touchdown embodied the spirit of the team, while Luke Zahradka and Andrea Volonnino combined for timely completions under pressure. 

From the commentary booth came words that captured the day.

“Italy may not have the star power here, but they’ve got the heart and a growing football intelligence that’s terrifying for any opponent.” Another analyst added, “Canada’s got the pedigree, but today they had to earn it in the trenches and ride the waves of discipline and field-position.” 

With the win, Canada advances to face Germany in Bochum on November 16 for the inaugural Mullin-Fraser Trophy, a restored 1888 English silver cup donated by Jim Mullin and the Simon Fraser University Football Alumni Association.

“From the first Canadian games in 1860 to modern international competition, tackle football has been the heart and backbone of our game,” said Mullin. “Restoring an 1888 English cup for the GNC champions creates a tangible bridge between the sport’s history and its present.” 

For Italy, the result was a heartbreaker but a statement. They went toe-to-toe with a North American powerhouse, matched them in preparation and passion, and showed that European football can produce heavyweight contests worthy of global attention. In a stadium built for legends like Giuseppe Vigorelli and Antonio Maspes, the Azzurri proved that Italian football’s wheels are now turning at full speed. 

Scoring summary
Q1 03:18 ITA – William Testa 26-yard field goal (Italy 3–0)
Q2 11:22 CAN – Adam Preocanin 42-yard field goal (3–3)
Q2 02:57 CAN – Jamal Lyles 13-yard run (Preocanin kick) (3–10)
Q3 08:20 ITA – Ryan Minniti 6-yard run (Testa kick) (10–10)
Q3 03:56 CAN – Jamal Lyles 8-yard pass from Chris Merchant (Preocanin kick) (10–17)
Q4 11:54 ITA – Andrea Volonnino 9-yard pass from Luke Zahradka (Testa kick) (17–17)
Q4 06:12 CAN – Adam Preocanin 35-yard field goal (17–20)
Q4 00:00 ITA – William Testa 42-yard field goal attempt, no good (Final: Canada 20–17) 

 Photos: Giulio Busi