LIVESTREAM Italy: Milano Seamen @ Lazio Ducks, May 23, 13:30 CET (1:30 pm, 07:30 am ET)
The Lazio Ducks (2-3) will host the defending champion Milano Seamen (4-1) in one of two games on AFI tv this Sunday as Italy’s Division 1 winds up the “regular season”.
The Seamen will be intent on redeeming themselves after a disappointing loss in international play last week. Meanwhile the Ducks are aiming to pull off the upset as they are fighting for a playoff berth.
The Seamen enter this week looking to bounce back after being dominated by the Swarco Raiders 41-14 in the opening round of the Central European Football League tournament. Pre-snap penalties and turnovers plagued the offense while the defense struggled to contain the Swarco Raiders playmakers.
Milano Seamen @ Lazio Ducks, May 23, 13:30 CET (1:30 pm, 07:30 am ET)
Receiver Ismail Lamamra and the Milano offense look to bounce back quickly and get a win against Lazio:
“We’re disappointed since we didn’t play that way we wanted and we have to give credit to the Raiders for that. At the same time we have studied our mistakes in all three phases and we’re moving on to the IFL. We’re facing a good Ducks team this week that has an explosive offense and can score at any moment.”
Defensively, safety Jeremiah Johnson will be player to watch as he looks to adjust to the European game. Johnson’s coverage in this game will be crucial Lazio’s offense looks to pass early and often. At the linebacker position, Enzo Mensah will be trying to contain a group of slippery Ducks receivers.
Mensah commented on the team’s energy returning to domestic play:
“Obviously we always start from the assumption that every team we play against is to be respected, we have prepared our defense to counter their offense, in my opinion it will be a very dynamic, fast, and fun game. I can’t wait to enter the field.”
The Ducks look to get the upset and put themselves in better post position for Italy’s clock tournament which will likely decide the remaining two playoff spots. Lazio’s offense has been on fire of late, as quarterback Luke Casey and former NFL wide receiver Matt Hazel have combined for 557 yards and seven touchdowns in their last three games alone. This week however, the Ducks offense will be up against one of Italy’s toughest defenses in the Seamen.
Lazio quarterback Luke Casey on the offense’s recent success:
“The big difference for us is having our guys back on the field. We have a great group of guys on offense and we work together as a unit which has led to some success.”
Defensively expect for French defensive back Valentine Roesche to be a key as he lines up against a potent Milano passing attack. Roesche will have the help of Hazel on defense as well as veteran defensive back Edoardo Nati.
Roesche commented on the team’s mentality facing the defending champs:
“After our first two losses we had that underdog mentality, we are gonna fight hard for a winnable game, we have no fear, just hunger.”
The Ducks have turned around their season after an embarrassing opening week and are now one of four teams fighting for a playoff spot as the season winds down. The visiting Milano Seamen are coming off of a disappointing loss in international play and expect to get back to their winning ways in Italy’s first division.
Watch the game live here. Milano Seamen @ Lazio Ducks, May 23, 13:30 CET (1:30 pm, 07:30 am ET)
Lazio Ducks roster
Milano Seamen roster
