Two Italian teams looking to bounce back from a disappointing opening week are the Bologna Warriors and the Lazio Ducks.
Both squads have a ton of potential and are still finding their identities after one game in this year’s short season.
For the Lazio Ducks, last week was a disappointing way to start the year, losing at home to the Ancona Dolphins 35-0. The Ducks offense featured Luke Casey targeting Matt Hazel early and often. Look for coach Dan Pippin to diversify the offense and avoid turnovers in order to get Hazel and other playmakers more touches. Defensively, the Ducks had trouble stopping the run, and consequently became susceptible to play action passes. Linebacker Valentin Roesch will likely step up more and help the defense get more stops this weekend.
Lazio Ducks @ Bologna Warriors, April 17, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 1 pm ET)
Dan Pippin commented on the Ducks chances to get back on track in week two:
“About last week’s game, Acona had a great plan and did a great job executing it. The big thing that we have talked about all week is just correcting what we did wrong and preparing for the next game. We have a good football team and can’t panic. We also talked about how lucky we are to be playing and coaching. On the 11th of April last year no one was playing football in the entire world, we need to realize how lucky we are and enjoy playing.”
The home team Bologna squad is also coming off a blowout loss falling to the Milano Rhinos 28-6. Defensively, the Warriors will need to improve their pass rush, so we can expect defensive lineman Andrea Nadalini to create some pressure. The disappointing offensive showing surely frustrated quarterback Nick Rooney and the Warriors playmakers. Head coach Giorgio Longhi will no doubt insert some new creative plays into the offense in order to get his ball carriers in space.
Bologna quarterback Nick Rooney on the Rhinos loss:
“Last week was a tough one. After the game I said to the team that I was very excited to see us not give up. There is always potential when a team shows that kind of resilience. The defense was on the field for a long time, against a solid offense. They kept us in the game. Offensively, we need to finish drives. It came down to the little things, like always. A bad throw, a dumb check, key drop, missed block, and penalty. We capitalize a few of those, it’s a whole different game.”
This early season matchup will test how both of these teams respond to the adversity. Both the Warriors and Ducks are quarterbacked by excellent passers with experience in Europe, who are looking to make a playoff run. Expect both offenses to be more crisp this week.
Watch the game live here. Lazio Ducks @ Bologna Warriors, April 17, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 1 pm ET)
Bologna Warriors roster (Click to enlarge)
Lazio Ducks roster (Click to enlarge)
