Madrid’s Osos Rivas have boosted their offense with the signing of Italian American and Team Italy running back Mike Gentili for the remainder of the 2020/2021 Spanish League of American Football, LNFA, season.
Osos Rivas opened their season in mid December with a 27-14 win over the Gijon Mariners.
Gentili’s explosive skills will be a welcome addition.
Mike Gentili catching a TD pass for the Black Knights Photo: Jonas Domfors
The 31 year old 5’10”, 215 lb Gentili, a native of Leominster, Massachusetts, played two games with the Örebro Black Knights in Sweden’s Superserien rushing for 148 yards and helping Örebro reach the semifinals. Prior to that, he played two games for the Helsinki Roosters of Finland’s Maple League rushing for 166 yards and a touchdown.
He spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Lazio Ducks in Italy’s Div. I, rushing for a total of 1,087 yards in 14 regular season games. He was important in helping Team Italy defeat Austria this past fall to advance to Europe’s Final Four. He finished his college career with a two-year stint at Bridgewater State University (NCAA Div. III) where he rushed for 912 yards. He also played at the University of New Hampshire (NCAA Div. I) and Curry College (NCAA Div. III).
Mike Gentili was a factor when Italy defeated Team Switzerland Photo: Giulio Busi
Gentili had signed a contract for the 2020 season with the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns playing in the German Football League, but since that was cancelled, Gentili was free to sign with Helsinki and Örebro.
Osos Rivas continues their season January 16 when they face the Fuengirola Potros.
