The Milano Seamen (2-1) will host the undefeated Ancona Dolphins (3-0) in a highly anticipated Saturday night matchup in Italy’s Division 1, May 1.
The Dolphins have opened their season extremely well, surprising Italian American football fans, while Milano is mounting a charge back up to its spot as top dog in the country.
Ancona is coming off of an impressive win against the Milano Rhinos last week in an exciting 29-26 game. The Dolphins came roaring back from a 26-7 halftime deficit to win the game in front of their home fans. A strong second half from Dolphins quarterback Colin Digalbo helped the Ancona get back in the game. The Kutztown University product accounted for four touchdowns on the day, two through the air and two on the ground. While the Dolphins showed a lot of heart fighting back last week, they will need to play a complete game on both sides of the ball in order to beat a talented Seamen team.
Ancona Dophins @ Milano Seamen, May 1, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12:00 pm ET)
Digalbo on the matchup:
Being such a young team as we are, I think the biggest key to our success has been just going out there and having some fun, trusting each other that we’re going to have each other’s backs. The guys have been learning tremendously fast, and always look for new ways to get better. That being said we just have to keep doing what we do best and keep overcoming adversity whenever it is presented and with this team, I feel as if we can persevere through any type of adversity thrown our way.
The Milano Seamen are also coming off of a victory, defeating the Bologna Warriors 41-17. In that game, the Seamen’s defense played extremely well sacking the Warriors quarterback early and often. This strong defensive performance was complemented by quarterback Luke Zahradka who threw for four touchdowns and 290 yards. This week, the Seamen will have former NFL kicker and Milan native Giorgio Tavecchio joining them. Tavecchio’s NFL career spans eight seasons, six teams, and 26 career made field goals. Tavecchio will take over the kicking duties from Stefano Di Tunisi, who has been the team’s kicker and one of its best receivers this season. Di Tunisi has amassed 241 yards receiving and a touchdown in the Seamen’s three games so far this season.
The veteran kicker and receiver on the matchup with Ancona:
Well, team mindset, still the same, as always since years, we think to play every week without think at season future, the only goal is to finish 1-0 every week. With this mindset, we can focus all energy on the game, and then switch onto the next one…always step by step!
This is a great regular season matchup as both of these teams look like legitimate contenders to reach the Italian Bowl. Look for the Seamen to play well at home against a young and hungry Ancona squad determined to prove they can hang with the best teams in Italy.
Watch the game live here. Ancona Dophins @ Milano Seamen, May 1, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12:00 pm ET)
Milano Seamen roster (Click to enlarge)
Ancona Dolphins roster (Click to enlarge)
