The Parma Panthers (1-0) will host the Milano Rhinos (1-0) in this week two matchup in Italy’s Division 1.
This is certainly one of the best games on AFI TV this weekend as both of these teams played excellent football last week and could be early contenders for this season’s Italian Bowl.
Milano Rhinos @ Parma Panthers, April 18, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
The Parma Panthers stunned the defending champion Milano Seamen in Milan last week, defeating them 24-20 in a thriller. Nick Diaco of the Panthers scored a clutch touchdown with less than a minute left to give them the four point victory. The game was a back and forth affair filled with exciting plays and big hits. Parma’s quarterback Reilly Hennessy played well, finding his receivers up and down the field, keeping pace with the Seamen’s potent offense. Defensively, Asantay Brown stood out making big hits throughout the game. This week, the Panthers will need to replicate their excellent play to stay undefeated as Milan’s other team has already proven they are no push over.
Panthers quarterback Hennessey on the matchup with a talented Rhinos squad:
“We came away with the win but made a lot of mistakes, there’s a lot of bad ball we got clean up. The Rhinos are good team, watching the film they’re fast their athletic, so we got to come ready to play and fix a lot of mistakes that were made that we got away with in game one. If we can do that, I think we will have success.”
The Rhinos almost had the shut out last week defeating the Bologna Warriors 28-6 at home. The Rhinos offense was humming against Bologna, as quarterback Giovanni Rescigno was able to find American receiver Jason-Matthew Sharsh often. Defensively, the Rhinos swarmed to the ball, smothering the Warriors run game. This week, the Rhinos will face a tougher opponent as the Panthers versatile offense features both a finesse passing game and a powerful running attack.
Rhinos defensive back Riccardo Bargagli on the matchup:
“I think we have to be very disciplined, because they are a very good team and they know what you’re doing. If we stick to our plan and we play like we played the second half of the Warriors game, we might do a miracle.”
This looks to be one of the best games of the weekend as it features two Italian teams looking to make a run at the championship in what seems to be a wide-open league this year.
Watch the game live here. Milano Rhinos @ Parma Panthers, April 18, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
Parma Panthers roster (Click to enlarge)
Milano Rhinos roster (Click to enlarge)
