LIVESTREAM Italy: Parma Panthers @ Bologna Warriors, March 23, 21:00 CET (9 pm, 4 pm EDT)

AFI | American Football | 03/23/2024

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

The cellar-dwelling Bologna Warriors (0-3) will be desperately trying to earn their first win of the season when they host the defending Italian champion Parma Panthers (1-1) as the Italian Football League enters the third full week of action.

The Warriors are suffering through the worst season opening string of games of any team having lost three by lopsided scores. Bologna lost to the Torino Giaguari 42-7 and then 55-0 to the Firenze Guelfi in their first two games. Then last weekend things did not get any better as they were overwhelmed by the Milano Rhinos 42-7. They will be facing a Parma team looking to atone for a close 25-24 loss to the Ancona Dolphins last week. The Panthers opened the season by beating the Rhinos 33-26 in Milano.

Bologna quarterback Ashley Brooks has sputtered throwing for a mere 144 yards in three games while the ground attack is actually minus 29 yards producing 115 yards in total offense (!!). With a defense that has given up 1,048 yards and 145 points in three games, the Warriors would seem to be in for another long evening.

For Parma, quarterback Robbie Patterson (University of Montana) has only completed 23 of 43 passes for 322 yards and one touchdown in two games but has also tossed two interceptions. Against the Bologna secondary he will no doubt improve those stats. Running back Mikey Alfieri has rushed for 155 yards and four touchdowns in the two games and will no doubt be called upon frequently against a weak Warriors front seven.