Italy: The 2024 IFL Season Could Be One to Remember
The Italian Football League (IFL) has long been a cornerstone of European American football, attracting elite athletes from the NFL and college ranks. Over the years, the league has seen many high-profile players join its teams.
For instance, Kris Durham, a former fourth-round NFL draft pick, played for the Parma Panthers in 2017-18. Steve Hagen, now the head coach of the NFL Academy, also made an impact in the IFL as the Guelfi Firenze head coach after a successful career in both the NFL and college football. Matt Hazel, a receiver who spent four seasons in the NFL with various practice squads following his sixth-round selection by the Miami Dolphins, joined the Lazio Ducks for a season. Other notable names include Brad Miller, former Broncos player, Joe Vellano, a Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, and Brock Olivo, current special teams assistant at Missouri. The IFL has always been a desirable destination for top-tier talent.
Lazio Ducks’ Matt Hazel catching a pass against the Milano Rhinos. Photo: Stefano Scaccia
The 2024 Season Arrivals
After diving into the rich history of the Italian league, it’s time to focus on what could make the 2024 season one of the most thrilling in all of European football. The influx of talented players and coaches making their debut in the Italian league is generating excitement among fans.
One of the most anticipated arrivals is Brian Pariani, a four-time Super Bowl champion with the 49ers and Denver Broncos. Pariani will be advising the Milano Rhinos this season, adding a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. His involvement continues a trend of former NFL coaches and players showing increasing interest in European football in recent years.
Milano’s quarterback, Hamish McClure, is another exciting name to watch. McClure made a name for himself with a record-breaking season at UWE in the UK, following his education at Nevada. He later showcased his skills in the Swedish and Australian leagues before bringing his talents to Italy.
In quarterback news, the Skorpions Varese have made a major announcement, revealing that former Super Bowl champion Ryan Griffin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2020) will be leading their team in 2024. This addition brings championship pedigree to the league and positions the Skorpions as an early contender to watch. Furthermore, Ryan’s brother, wide receiver MacLaine Griffin, a standout from Portland State (NCAA Div. I), will join the Skorpions as his primary target. With this dynamic duo, expectations are high for instant success, making this one of the most compelling storylines in European football for 2024.
The NFL influence on the league continues with Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi, a remarkable offseason story in 2016. Once homeless and jobless, he found himself sleeping outside a gym in Miami, Florida. Despite not being invited to a free-agent workout held by the Cleveland Browns, he managed to sneak in and impressed the coaches as a returner, eventually earning a spot with the team after a successful trial. This is just one example of the fresh talent arriving in the league, with many more new faces across teams that are worth exploring.
Returning Stars and ELF Impact
As always, the upcoming season will feature numerous returning players and new signings, especially from the Milano Seamen during the ELF offseason. While we won’t list all 50 Italian players, a few stand out due to their strong ties to the Italian ELF franchise. The Milano season kicks off in late May, while the IFL concludes around late June or early July. This timing means that top teams in Italy will retain the majority of their best talent until a few weeks into the ELF season, keeping fans eager for the unfolding action.
LB Alex Ferrari #11 playing for the Tirol Raiders in 2022. Photo: Valentina
Giacomo Insom, Diego Rinaldi, Andrea Grillo, and Alex Ferrari, all former players for the Seamen Milano, are now part of the Guelfi Firenze. With their strong roster, the Guelfi Firenze are likely contenders for the title, making it unlikely for these players to join Milano come May. On the other hand, Ali Saad, Tommaso Calegari, and Marco Colombo, all from Seamen Milano, will be joining the formidable Frogs Legnano team, adding even more talent to an already promising lineup.
Giaguari Torino has certainly made a significant impact this season, adding players like Felix Proulx (Paris Musketeers), Nicholas Dalmasso, Andrea Serra, Enzo Mensah, Luca Assemian, and Tamsir Seck, all from the ELF. While I could dive deeper into how each team’s roster might challenge Milano, it’s clear that some of Italy’s top talent is staying home for now. Many other elite Italian players have yet to be mentioned, but they made their mark last season and are expected to perform at a high level this year.
In summary… With the influx of ELF, NFL, and NCAA talent, this season of the Italian league is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and thrilling in recent history. The season kicks off in late February with Giaguari facing Milano Rhinos on the 25th in the Kick-off Classic. Considering the league’s track record, this matchup is sure to be a heated one—especially after Milano’s loss in the farewell championship and Parma Panthers’ surprise win against Guelfi in the 2023 Glass Bowl. I’m excited to see what 2024 has in store!
Source: https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/italy-the-2024-ifl-season-could-be-special/