Italy: Lazio Marines host Firenze Guelfi to wind up 2nd weekend of play in the IFL

The Lazio Marines (0-1) will play in front of their home crowd for the first time this season when they play host to the Firenze Guelfi (1-0), Sunday, February 23 at CS Dabliu Eur Sports Complex in Rome.

The Marines opened the season last week losing 48-14 to the Torino Giaguari on the road. The Guelfi, 2024 finalists, pounded the newly-promoted 1984 Albisola S Pirates 49-0.

In the only game between these two teams in 2024, Firenze came out on top 37-15.

Marines quarterback Josiah Norwood threw for only 111 yards and a touchdown in last week’s loss. But he also rushed for 47 and another score. For Lazio to have any chance at all against the Guelfi, Norwood will need to get in sync with his receivers.

For Firenze, the two-pronged attack featuring quarterbacks Eystin Salum and Andrea Fimiani will be tough for the Marines to corral. In last week’s lopsided win, Salum threw for 172 yards and three touchdowns while Fimiani completed 5 of 7 passes for 95 yards and another three scores. Fimiani also added 103 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

If the Lazio coaching staff can come up with a scheme to control the dual quarterback attack of the Guelfi and if Norwood can get the Marines offense rolling, the home team will have a chance.