Italy’s GLS Ancona Dolphins have signed defensive back Guy Ricciardulli for the 2017 season.
Ricciardulli’s younger brother Nick plays running back for the reigning champion Milano Rhinos, although the only chance the two will face each other would be in the playoffs as the Dolphins play in Italy’s South Division while Milano play in the North.
The 5’11”, 205 lb native of San Diego, California helped Sweden’s Carlstad Crusaders win the 2012 Swedish championship as the only import on the team. In 2014, serving as defensive coordinator and safety, Ricciardulli helped Germany’s Kirchdorf Wildcats win the GFL2 South division. At Humboldt State (NCAA Div. II) he finished his career with 160 tackles and 11 interceptions.
As an Italian American, Ricciardulli is of additional value for the Dolphins.
According to the import rules in Italy, a team can have two foreign players on the roster plus one possessing an Italian passport. During a game one foreign player and one Italian American are allowed on the field at the same time.
Ancona head coach Roberto Rotelli:
“It is valuable to have a high-profile Italian-American who can play several positions both on offense and defense. We are pleased that Guy Ricciardulli will play both as a defensive back and receiver or running back. In fact, Guy has had a successful career both in college and in Europe and can play many positions as well as return kicks and play quarterback if necessary. He knows European football well thanks to the seasons he spent in Sweden and Germany and he also had the experience of working as an assistant coach in college and coaching in Germany. We consider this very important.”
Ricciardulli is very happy to be playing in Italy and in the same league as his brother:
“I am very happy to come to my roots and I am also happy to play in the same league as my brother Nick, who raved about his experience in Italy. It would be nice to meet in the playoffs. Sparks would fly, he knows that I know tackle very well! “
Check out Guy Ricciardulli’s highlights from the 2014 season in Germany with the Kirchdorf Wildcats.
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