The Parma Panthers (1-1) will host the Bolzano Giants (2-0) in what is already a must-win game for the Panthers, Sunday March 24 in the third round of Italy’s Div. I.
Parma lost to the Firenze Guelfi 27-17 last week after taking a 17-0 halftime lead. The loss left the Panthers, who have a tough schedule ahead, in fifth place in the nine-team Italian league. The last time these two teams met was in the 2018 semifinals when the Giants surprised Parma, beating them 30-25.
However, Parma won their first game of the year beating the Ancona Dolphins 14-10. New quarterback Reilly Hennessey (Central Washington) is replacing Tommaso Monardi, who was the starter for the Panthers for eight years helping the team win four titles. The 6’3″, 200 lb Hennessey threw for a modest 138 yards on 11 for 16 passing in his first action. In fact, it was the Panthers running game that made the difference as RB Alessandro Malpeli Aval rushed for 99 yards, scoring both touchdowns for Parma.
Bolzano came out 41-7 winners over the Torino Giaguari and then defeated Bergamo 28-24 for their second win of the season.
The Giants QB, Austin Gahafer Giants is the second leading passer in Italy with 464 yards and 7 TDs in two games. In his team’s rout of Torino, he completed 17 0f 26 passes for 212 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver Mark Simone caught three of those scoring throws with Marco Bonacci and Vinzenso Gregorio hauling in one apiece. Running back Giacomo Querzola rushed for a modest 49 yards.
Watch the game live here. Bolzano Giants @Parma Panthers, Sunday, March 24, 3p CEST (10a EDT)
