LIVESTREAM Italy: Varese Skorpions @ Lazio Marines, March 10, 15:30 CET (3:30 pm, 9:30 am ET)

AFI | American Football | 03/10/2024

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

The Lazio Marines (0-1) will host the Varese Skorpions (1-0) in Rome Sunday, March 10 as the Italian Football League winds up its third weekend of play.

Lazio are coming off a 27-16 loss to the Milano Rhinos last week while the Skorpions pulled off the first upset of the season after knocking off 2023 IFL finalists, the Firenze Guelfi, 7-0.

With former NFL quarterback Ryan Griffin behind center, the Skorpions scored a touchdown early in the second half last week against Firenze and then held on for the important win. Although Griffin only threw for 70 yards in total, he completed 7 of 10 passes. His efficiency will be an important factor when facing a Marines defense that held the Rhinos to just 187 yards of offense.

Marines’ quarterback Austin Albericci (Rutgers University, NCAA Div. 1) who led the league in passing in 2023, threw for 187 yards in the loss to Milano last week but rushed for 38 scoring one of his team’s two touchdowns. However, he will be facing a Varese defense that only gave up 36 yards passing last week against Firenze.

This game is a toss up featuring two excellent passing quarterbacks facing stingy defenses.