LIVESTREAM Italy: Ancona Dolphins @ Lazio Ducks, April 11, 16:30 pm CET (10:00 am ET)

Italy’s Division 1 kick-off weekend continues on Sunday April 11 as the Lazio Ducks play host to the Ancona Dolphins.

The last time these two teams faced each other was in a pre-pandemic 2019 when the Ducks took a comfortable 41-12 over Ancona.

For the visiting Dolphins, a new signal caller will be under center in Collin Digalbo. Digalbo is a product of Kutztown University (NCAA D2) where he earned All American honors, throwing for 9,282 yards and 74 touchdowns in his four-year collegiate career. One of his main targets will be receiver Mejdi Soltana, a veteran of the Dolphins who put up four touchdowns in 2019.

Ancona Dolphins @ Lazio Ducks, April 11, 16:30 pm CET (10:00 am ET)

Digalbo discusses the Dolphins pre-season preparation:

“We’ve been focusing on the things we do best and perfecting every aspect of the game that we can. It’s hard to game plan for a team you haven’t seen play or anything yet, so we’re just working on ourselves and doing what we do best.”

Defensively, Ancona brings back pass rusher Michele Luciani who led the Dolphins with four sacks in 2019. Former University of Washington and Jefferson University (NCAA D3) defensive back Zach Quattrone joins the Ancona defense this year with eight interceptions in his collegiate career as a member of the Presidents. Another new face on defense will be Swedish national team linebacker Hugo Dyrendahl.

Look for this Dolphins squad led by head coach Roberto Rotelli to be eager to get back in the playoffs after a disappointing 2-6 season in 2019.

The Lazio Ducks are led this season by new head coach Dan Pippin. Pippin is an experienced high school football coach in the United States getting ready for his first season in Europe after Italy’s canceled season in 2020. Pippin has brought one of his former players to Rome with him, five-year NFL receiver Matt Hazel who played for Pippin at North Augusta high school. Hazel played his college football at Coastal Carolina University (NCAA D1 FCS) and was drafted in the sixth round of the XXX Draft by the Miami Dolphins. The former NFL wideout will have quarterback Luke Casey throwing to him. Casey will also have Italian weapons at his disposal in running back Matteo Arco and receiver Paolo Biancalana. Biancalana is a 6’1″ red zone threat who scored nine touchdowns in 2019.

Lazio quarterback Luke Casey is definitely happy to be back on the field:

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the field, I think everyone’s very excited to be able to play again. We have a great group of players and we’re all just happy to be able to play ball again. Gonna have some fun in Italy this season.”

Defensively, the Ducks bring back hard hitting defensive back Eugenio Mannato and add French linebacker Valetin Roesch. Roesch transferred from France’s national champion Thonon Black Panthers.

Watch the game live here. Ancona Dolphins @ Lazio Ducks, April 11, 16:30 pm CET (10:00 am ET)