Italy: Torino Giaguari rally past Milano Rhinos in 35-25 home victory

AFI | American Football | 04/14/2026

Photo: Monica Audoglio

In an exciting showdown, the Torino Giaguari (4-1) defeated the Milano Rhinos (0-3) 35-25, clinching a spot in the postseason as the first team to do so in the 2026 Italian Football League. The game was a rollercoaster ride, with the Giaguari coming back four times after trailing.

Rhinos strike first
The Rhinos opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 5-yard touchdown run by Cotton, but their extra point attempt was blocked, leaving them ahead 6-0. The Giaguari quickly responded in the second quarter when quarterback Marco Duranti connected with Luciano Giuliani for a 35-yard touchdown pass. Kicker Jacopo Salsa converted the extra point, giving Torino a 7-6 lead.

Back-and-forth battle
Milano regained the lead with a long 44-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Darius Perrantes to Bruno Escobar, but once again, the extra point attempt failed, making it 12-7 for the Rhinos. The most electrifying moment of the first half came right after, when Giuliani returned the kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown, sending Torino into halftime with a 14-12 advantage.

Giaguari take control
In the third quarter, Perrantes put the Rhinos back in front with a 50-yard touchdown run, but the PAT was again unsuccessful, making it 18-14. Torino quickly answered with a surprise 18-yard touchdown run from De Moura Piola, reclaiming the lead at 21-18.

Dramatic finish
The final quarter saw the Rhinos take the lead again with a 1-yard run by Nikolas Suppa, putting them ahead 25-21. However, the Giaguari showed their character as Duranti found Salsa for an 8-yard touchdown, regaining the lead at 28-25. Milano attempted a risky fourth-down conversion, but the Giaguari defense held strong. Ethan Greenfield sealed the game with a 1-yard touchdown run, bringing the final score to 35-25. Cameron Colangelo capped off the victory with an interception on the Rhinos‘ last drive.

This win not only boosts Torino’s morale but also solidifies their position in the playoff race, showcasing their resilience and depth as they look ahead to the rest of the season.

Source: IFL