The IFAF Paris European Junior Championships kick off Friday July 14 with the defending champions, Team Austria taking on newcomers, Italy, at Stade Laurent Pleagelatte in Villepinte, France.
Team Austria enters the game as the heavy favorite. They have won this tournament three straight times (2015, 2013 and 2011) and finished third four tournaments in a row (2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006).
Italy finished third in 1992, the inaugural year of the tournament.
TEAM AUSTRIA
Team Austria warming up for practice, July 13
Head Coach : Roman Floredo
Winner : 2011, 2013, 2015
The 2017 Austrian team will again be a favorite to defend its title. Head coach Floredo has picked a solid team with several young players already having experience in the Austrian Football League. Austria’s challenge is not to become over confident. Each tournament is new for most of the team. Nevertheless, the pressure is on the Austrians to win an unprecedented fourth crown.
TEAM ITALY
Italy defeated Team Serbia to qualify
Head Coach : Paolo Borchini
Winner: —
Team Italy, although not a newcomer on the European U19 scene, has not reached this level since finishing third in 1992.. Head coach Brochini’s players defeated Serbia in a qualifying game before arriving at Villepinte. Thus, they enter the tournament without pressure. That can make them a dangerous opponent for Austria on opening day.
Watch the game live here. Click on Livestream. Kickoff: Friday July 14, 6 p CEST (12 Noon EDT)
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