Final stats leaders in Italy with playoffs set to start next week

With the regular season now over and the playoffs looming in Italy’s Division 1, AFI presents the  final regular season leaders in the offensive categories of passing yardage, rushing and receiving

Of the seven teams, the Parma Panthers and Firenze Guelfi had the most representatives in the three stats categories with four each while the Milano Rhinos had three and the Milano Seamen and Lazio Ducks had two each. Two teams were not represented – the Bologna Warriors and Ancona Dolphins.

Passing

Despite a last place finish, the Milano Rhinos had one of the best offenses in Italy in 2021 with QB Giovanni Rescigno leading the way with 2,349 yards passing and 25 TD passes. The Lazio Ducks also relied on their passing game with QB Luke Casey throwing for 2,304 yards and 23 TDs. He was followed in 3rd by Milano Seamen QB Luke Zahradka with 1,908 yards while 4th was Reilly Hennessey, QB for the Parma Panthers who had 1,672 yards and 17 TDs. Firenze Guelfi QB Andrea Fimiani wound up the Top 5 with his 1,368 yards and 18 TDS.

The Firenze Guelfi led the Italian league in rushing and the reason was RB Gerard Johnson who was by far the best running back in the country with 1,310 yards in 8 games (163.8 yds/g) and 14 TDs. Parma Panthers RBs Alessandro Malpeliaval with 654 yards and Modeste Pooda with 394 yards came in 2nd and 3rd while Firenze QB Andrea Fimiani finished 4th with 390. Giacomo Querzola of the Milano Seamen was the 5th leading rusher in Italy with 356 yards.

The Milano Rhinos topped the receiving charts with WR Jason Sharsh hauling in 1,298 yards and 12 TDs followed by Lazio Ducks WR Matt Hazel who had 966 yards and 10 TDS. Third place among receivers went to Parma’s versatile Simone Alinovi who had 788 yards and 13 TDs while another Rhino, Simoni Boni finished 4th with 688 yards. Firenze Guelfi’s Floyd Redfield finished 5th with 602 yards.

Graphics: Igor Lazarevic