Helsinki Roosters add offensive firepower with signing of Team Italy RB Mike Gentili

The Helsinki Roosters have bolstered their backfield with the signing of Italian American running back Mike Gentili for the remainder of the shortened 2020 Maple League season.

With the injury to starter Karri Pajarinen in last week’s opening game loss to the Kuopio Steelers, the Roosters went out to find a quality addition to the lineup, and they did.

The 31 year old 5’10”, 215 lb Gentili, a native of Leominster, Massachusetts, 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).

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 last week Gentili was free to sign with Helsinki. He will be able to play for the Roosters in their August 21 home game against the Wasa Royals.

The signing of Gentili reunites him with Roosters head coach Juha Hakala who coached him in 2019 with the Lazio Ducks.

Check out Gentili’s highlights from European Championship qualifying

Highlights from BSU