Milano Rhinos face stiff challenge; take on Bergamo Lions

The undefeated Milano Rhinos (8-0) are facing a fast improving Bergamo Lions (5-3) team Sunday in a matchup which will be key for determining playoff positioning in Italy’s Division I.

The Rhinos are definitely the class of the league in Italy this season after winning the Italian title in 2016 with an undefeated record. Quarterback TJ Priyor, while not in the top 5 in passing, is the second leading rusher in Italy. Bergamo’s Giorgio Bryant is right behind him though in third which is an indication of the types of offense both teams run.

After dropping their first three games of the season, Bergamo has been on a tear winning five in a row. In those three opening games, the Lions scored a total of 22. Since then they have averaged 35 points a game while allowing only 8.2 points per game.

However, they are facing a Rhinos team with the second best offense and stingiest defense. And a team that plays its best football when it counts.

The two head coaches are veterans of high caliber football. Milano head coach Chris Ault led his University of Nevada Wolfpack teams to numerous bowl and playoff games over the course of his 36 years as head coach while the Lions Adam Rita has won the Canadian Football League’s Grey Cup game and qualified for the playoffs many times.

This may not be a playoff game but it is as close as it gets in the regular season.

The game will not be livestreamed.