The Lazio Ducks (2-2) and the Parma Panthers (4-0) will square off as Italy’s Division 1 winds up the second last round of play Sunday, May 16.
Parma travels to Rome as the top team in the league, intent on keeping their undefeated record intact while the Ducks and their explosive offense look to continue their two game win streak.
Coach Dan Pippin and the Lazio Ducks have looked like a different team these past two weeks, winning two close, high-scoring games after a 0-2 start to the season. After being shut out in week one, the Ducks offense has come alive, averaging 53 points a game over these last two weeks. Quarterback Luke Casey has been building chemistry with former NFL receiver Matt Hazel. Hazel has scored five touchdowns and racked up 399 yards receiving in the last two games alone. Hazel will have to continue to perform well in order to get a win against the unbeaten Panthers.
Parma Panthers @Lazio Ducks, May 16, 13:00 CET (1 pm, 07:00 am ET)
Defensively, the Ducks have a tough task as they face a highly efficient Panthers offense. The Ducks defense has done just enough to win in their recent barnburner games. Expect defensive back Edoardo Nati to be a factor in this game as he has two interceptions in the team’s last two games. Overall Lazio looks leaps and bounds better now than they did in the early part of the season.
Head Coach Dan Pippin on the teams two game win streak:
“The key to our recent success was getting players back and not trying to do too much. We still have a long way to go but we are getting better. Our entire organization has bought into and understands the process better now than at the beginning of the year. Most importantly our players never quit and believe in what we are doing.”
Parma heads into this road game win after dominating the Ancona Dolphins last week 33-14. The running back duo of Modeste Pooda and Marco Gatti, combined with quarterback Reilly Hennessy’s decision making, gives this offense great consistency. Big plays however have come from wiry Italian receiver Simone Alinovi who has been one of the Italy’s best players, contributing as a wideout, defensive back, and kick returner. His 421 all purpose yards and seven touchdowns make him one of the most versatile skill players in Italy.
Alinovi commented on the Panthers matchup with the red hot Lazio Ducks:
“We know every team in Italy comes into our game wanting to play their best football against us. This motivates me and my teammates, because we cannot underestimate anyone this season. We want to be 1-0 every Monday and our only goal is to bring the trophy to Parma.”
On defense, Parma has added veteran pass rusher Vanni Belli as the long time Panther returns from injury. Belli joins Elia Viviani on a dangerous Panthers defensive line. The Parma defense will have their hands full against a Lazio offense that has been on a tear lately. Look for them to blitz often in order to rattle ducks quarterback Luke Casey.
This game features the number one team in Italy facing a confident Lazio Ducks team at home. Lazio has lots of momentum and will need it to pull off the upset on their home turf.
Watch the game live here. Parma Panthers @Lazio Ducks, May 16, 13:00 CET (1 pm, 07:00 am ET)
Lazio Ducks roster
Parma Panthers roster
