The Milano Rhinos look to reverse recent history as they host the Parma Panthers in an Italian Football League matchup featuring two teams that made significant offseason moves to boost their playoff aspirations in the league’s new single-conference format1.
Rhinos reload with talent
Milano has aggressively upgraded their roster, adding Austrian all-star linebacker Nikolas Knoblauch, Duquesne quarterback Darius Perrantes, and linebacker Josiah Cotton from Stephen F. Austin. The return of receiver Bruno Escobar from the Austrian Football League provides another weapon for an offense that struggled against Parma last season.
Panthers built to contend
Parma remains a force after reaching last year’s semifinals, signing record-setting college quarterback Roman Fuller (5,314 yards, 50 TDs at Colorado State Pueblo) to lead their revamped offense. They also return linebacker Parnell Jaylin, who led the league with 8 sacks in 2025 and anchors a defense that dominated Milano in both meetings last season (34–15 and 40–0).
This matchup tests whether Milano’s substantial upgrades can close the gap with their rivals in the new single-conference structure1. Can the Rhinos’ new weapons solve Parma’s defensive puzzle, or will the Panthers’ balanced attack and recent dominance continue? The result could signal whether Milano truly belongs among the IFL’s contenders this season.
