Italy: Varese Skorpions avenge loss with commanding win over Torino Giaguari
The Varese Skorpions (4-4) overpowered the Torino Giaguardi 37-14 at Franco Ossola Stadium, avenging a prior 31-7 defeat but remaining behind Torino (4-4) in the standings due to head-to-head point differential. The victory reignited Varese’s playoff hopes while highlighting Torino’s defensive struggles.
Second-quarter surge tilts momentum
After a balanced first quarter ended 7-7—Zach Marcheselli’s rushing TD for Varese and Mattia Salsa’s score for Torino—the Skorpions erupted in the second quarter. Quarterback Hamish McClure dissected Torino’s secondary with deep throws, connecting with Zanovello (2 TDs) and Matteo Rai. Zanovello’s second touchdown, a contested 18-yard grab, extended the lead to 28-14 at halftime. Torino’s errors, including dropped passes and a red-zone fumble, compounded their woes.
Defensive stand secures victory
Varese’s defense stifled Torino after halftime, pressuring QB Evan Lewandoski (returning from injury) into rushed throws. Kicker Luca Granelli’s 27-yard field goal and Zanovello’s third TD—a 7-yard slant—sealed the rout. Torino’s lone second-half spark, a 21-yard Lewandoski scramble, ended with a turnover on downs.
Heat tests resilience
Sweltering conditions slowed both teams in the third quarter, but Varese’s conditioning proved superior. The Skorpions now prepare for a critical clash against the Milano Seamen, while Torino faces the Firenze Guelfi in a bid to salvage playoff positioning. For Varese, this dominant performance underscored their explosive offense—and the high stakes of Italy’s playoff race.
