Sweden: Carlstad Crusaders sign Italian National Team WR Matteo Mozzanica

The reigning Swedish champion Carlstad Crusaders have announced the signing of Italian national team wide receiver Matteo Mozzanica.

The 6-1, 185 pound, 23 year old native of Varese, Italy spent the early part of the year with his hometown Varese Skorpions but suffered a season-ending injury in the second game of the Italian Football League season. However, he fully recovered by the end of the season and was able to play for Team Italy in the IFAF World Flag Football Championships held in Lahti, Finland. He played in two games with the Milano Seamen towards the end of the European League of Football’s 2023 season notching three catches for 52 yards. Prior to joining Milano, he played four games for the Skorpions catching 20 passes for a team-high 327 yards and four touchdowns.

He spent the 2022 season with the Skorpions, helping them capture the Italian Division 2 crown and earn promotion to the top league. He caught 19 passes in five games with Varese that season for 372 yards and five scores.

Mozzanica was also a member of the Italian national team that defeated Sweden 26-7 in 2023 to capture bronze in the 2023 IFAF Men’s European Championship.

Crusaders head coach Christian Forsman:

“I had Matteo on the list last year but was a little slow out of the gate and he had already finalized a contract for the 2024 season but that there was interest for the future. Matteo is experienced despite his young age and possesses a good frame with both speed and good hands. He can play both outside and inside and we have the ability to move him around to create good match-ups.”