LIVESTREAM PPV Italian Bowl: Milano Seamen vs Parma Panthers, July 17, 21:00 CET (9 pm, 3 pm ET)

After another amazing season of football in Italy, the pinnacle of the season is here, Italian Bowl XL live from Piacenza, Italy.

This year’s championship features the undefeated Parma Panthers against the defending champion Milano Seamen.

These two teams met twice during the regular season with the Panthers narrowly defeating Milano in the game’s final moments on both occasions. Fans are hoping for a third straight thriller between these two talented squads under the lights and flashing cameras in tonight’s championship.

The Parma Panthers enter the championship after an all-around impressive season. First-year head coach Marc Mattioli has led this Panthers team back to their first championship appearance since 2015. Mattioli has helped mold a fierce Parma defense that features former Philadelphia Eagle Asantay Brown. Brown has been a tackling-and-turnover-causing machine as his knack for interceptions, ripping the ball loose, and big hits make this an intimidating defense to face. Pass rushers Vanni Belli and Gianmarco Grossi are determined to get to the Milano quarterback and help shut down this talented passing attack.

Coach Mattioli commented on the upcoming Italian Bowl and the familiar foe that awaits:

“We’re definitely not approaching this as a third game against the Seamen. Nobody here is thinking ‘Oh, we have to beat the Seamen again.’ Our focus and preparation is for this one game, the Italian Bowl on Saturday. The circumstances leading up to the game, and whatever might have happened in our previous games against the Seamen are not in our line of thought right now.”

The Panthers’ offense brings versatility to the table, making it a nightmare to gameplan against. Quarterback Reilly Hennessey can beat teams with his arm and his legs. In the passing game, Hennessy has plenty of options as 6’4″ Nick Diaco provides a mismatch in the redzone and Italian speedster Simone Alinovi is the team’s most dynamic playmaker in space. The Panthers however are at their core a running team as they’ve averaged 175 yards a game on the ground. The combination of Modeste Pooda and Allessandro Malpeli-Avalli have been able to run wild behind Italy’s strongest offense line. If these two tailbacks can find success tonight the Panthers may be celebrating their first championship since 2013.

The Seamen have had their patience challenged as they had their semi-final postponed by 10 days and then eventually canceled due to multiple positive Covid 19 tests on the Lazio Ducks team. However, the fact remains that the Milano Seamen have a chance to win their fourth consecutive title tonight. With a win tonight, the Seamen would claim their sixth title in the past seven years. Head coach Michael Wood’s team is determined to redeem themselves after two uncharacteristic losses to Parma in the regular season. The Seamen’s defense is led by young linebacker Enzo Mensah. Mensah and fellow linebacker Kevin Khay aim to stop this Parma rushing attack. Fans can expect some big hits from this physical linebacking core. In the secondary, a dangerous duo of defenders patrols the back end in Albera Garlaschelli  and Jarey Elder. Defensive linemen Lorenzo Dalle Piaggie needs to control his gaps against a strong Panthers offensive line. Milano head coach Michael Wood commented on big game:

“The key factors in this game are the same for all games, mistakes, penalties, turnovers, and execution. Both teams come into this game with excellent personnel and it will be whichever team makes the most plays on Saturday night that will come out on top. The past season and games don’t mean a thing, it will all come down to 48 minutes of tough, hard hitting football with a championship on the line. The best team will get what they deserve like every final, one or two big plays will change the momentum and carry one team on to victory.”

Fans of the Italian Bowl are familiar with Seamen quarterback Luke Zahradka as he returns to the country’s top stage. Zahrakda is a three-time Italian Bowl champion looking to add to his trophy case tonight. Expect the veteran quarterback to target Stefan de Tunisi and former CFL receiver Jordan Bouah. Bouah is a dynamic receiver who has been all over the league’s highlights as a returner and pass catcher on his way to putting up 10 touchdowns. In the running game, Milano aims to run the ball with powerful Giacomo Querzola. Look for athletic defensive back Jarey Elder to get some touches as the Seamen will use all of their tricks to get the edge in this one.

After two amazing games between these teams in the regular season, fans of Italian American football are expecting more of the same tonight. Expect both coaches to have new wrinkles in their game plan as they know the small margin that separates these two evenly matched teams.

Watch the game live on PPV. Milano Seamen vs Parma Panthers, Saturday, July 17, 21″00 CET (9 pm, 3 pm ET).

Milano Seamen roster

Parma Panthers roster