Italy defeats Hungary 37–20 to advance to 2027 IFAF European Championship semifinals
The Italian national team secured its place in the 2027 IFAF Men’s European Championship semifinals with a convincing 37–20 victory over Hungary at the Vigorelli Velodrome in Milan. The win completed an unbeaten Group C campaign for the Azzurri, who will face Finland in next summer’s medal round.
Italian defense sets up dominant first half
After a scoreless opening quarter, Italy took control in the second period behind an aggressive defense and quarterback Luke Zahradka’s passing attack.
Running back Ryan Minniti opened the scoring with a touchdown run, and Jacopo Impallomeni added the extra point for a 7–0 lead.
Zahradka then connected with Matteo Mozzanica for the second touchdown before finding Luciano Giuliani in the end zone with just 40 seconds remaining in the half.
Impallomeni converted both extra points, sending Italy into halftime with a commanding 21–0 advantage.
Hungary fights back after halftime
The Hungarian national team finally broke through in the third quarter when quarterback Zalan Dancso capped a sustained drive with a rushing touchdown. Zalan Halasz converted to cut the deficit to 21–7.
Italy responded immediately as Zahradka connected with Giacomo Mibelli for another touchdown, restoring the 21-point advantage.
Early in the fourth quarter, Tommaso Tenconi scored on a rushing play to extend the lead to 34–7, although Impallomeni missed the extra point.
Late Hungarian rally falls short
Hungary refused to surrender.
Dancso connected with Nandor Toth for a touchdown before leaving the game with an injury. Replacement quarterback Marton Czirok later found Andras Pusztai for another score.
Between those touchdowns, Impallomeni drilled a 47-yard field goal to give Italy a 37–14 lead.
The final Hungarian touchdown narrowed the margin to 37–20, but a failed onside kick ended any realistic comeback hopes.
Valentino Gnocchi delivered the final defensive statement with a late sack.
Zahradka leads Italy into medal round
Zahradka finished an impressive performance completing 18 of 28 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
The veteran quarterback left the field to applause late in the fourth quarter in what could have been his final appearance for the Italian national team.
Head coach Brian Michitti’s squad finished Group C with victories over Poland and Hungary, earning a semifinal showdown against the Finnish national team in 2027.
For the Azzurri, the unbeaten qualifying campaign represents another important step toward competing for European gold.
