Saturday night football in Italy! This matchup features a Battle of Milan as the Milano Seamen will host the Milano Rhinos in this highly anticipated intercity rivalry!
The Rhinos are back in Italy’s top division for the first time since 2018. So far, the team has had a roller coaster season. Their 1-3 record can be a bit deceiving as this talented team’s three losses are only by a measly 14 total points. No game exemplifies their season more than their 63-62 overtime loss last week to the Lazio Ducks. The Rhinos dynamic offense is currently setting the pace of the league scoring 37 points a game behind strong quarterback play from former Rutgers University (NCAA D1 FBS) team captain Giovanni Rescigno.
Milano Rhinos @ Milano Seamen, May 8, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12:00 pm ET)
For the Rhinos veterans, this game means so much more as they are finally back in the top division facing off against a team they know all too well. Long-time Rhinos players and coaches have waited three years to finally get to play against crosstown rivals, the Seamen again. These two teams faced each other twice in 2018, the last time the Rhinos were in the top league in Italy, and the Seamen won both games, 32-25 and 49-12.
Rhinos captain Riccardo de Mas on the rivalry between the Rhinos and Seamen.
This weekend we have the derby against the Seamen, who have won the last few national championships and still have one of the best teams in the IFL. We want to prove that even if we are very young and we lack some experience, we still are real Rhinos ready to fight until the end. It’s going to be a great game and I hope everyone will have the chance to enjoy it through the stream.
For the reigning champion Seamen, this game means a lot as well as they look to slowly climb back to the top of the standings. Head coach Michael Wood has brought in a new talented player in Jeremiah Johnson, a former Jacksonville University (NCAA D1 FCS) defensive back who made 75 tackles in his senior year in 2019. Johnson replaces American safety Jarey Elder who left the Seamen last month to play in The Spring League.
The Seamen are coming off of an impressive victory last week in which they dominated the previously undefeated Ancona Dolphins 31-0. Even in a torrential downpour the Seamen’s offense clicked, running the ball well behind strong offensive line play. This week however, the Seamen will be intent on keeping the title of Milan’s best American football club against a familiar foe.
Receiver Ismail Lamamra shared his thoughts on the Seamen versus Rhinos crosstown rivalry.
There’s always a different kind of vibe playing against another team from your own city. I think that we have a positive rivalry with the Rhinos, always trying to push each other to the maximum of our abilities. We play football for these kind of games. This game will probably be their last chance at a playoff run so they’ll likely bring some extra juice. We gotta be prepared for that and play like we can.
Look for this to be one of the weekend’s best games as this rivalry typically produces instant classics in the Italian football scene. The Rhinos are a talented squad that desperately needs this win if they want to sneak into the playoffs. On the other hand, the Seamen are eager to keep the upper hand in the intercity rivalry.
Watch the game live here. Milano Rhinos @ Milano Seamen, May 8, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12:00 pm ET)
Milano Seamen roster (Click to enlarge)
Milano Rhinos roster (Click to enlarge)
