Canada Survives Italian Comeback With a 20-17 GNC Opening Win

It’s amazing how quickly the international gridiron landscape can change.

Just seven months ago, Canada and Italy helped relaunch the dormant global football calendar with a 56–0 Canadian beatdown of the hosts in Sardinia. Fast forward to just 16 days ago: Germany, chasing a return to European glory at the European Final Four, was routed 30–9 by Austria in the opener and then knocked off the podium on home soil by Italy, 17–14.

So Canada would still be the prohibitive favourite, right?

If anyone told Italy about expert opinions, they weren’t listening. The last act of the year for the Azzurri, Sunday afternoon at Milan’s Velodromo Vigorelli, turned into a showstopper. Canada escaped with a 20–17 win, while Italy walked away with renewed respect and pride in its program.

This was the first game played for the Gridiron Nations Championship (GNC), an international event aiming to become a permanent fixture on the calendar — an invitation-only tournament modelled on Rugby’s Six Nations. Italy’s win over Germany at the European Final Four was the first result that counted in the GNC standings.

Canada had the first offensive possession, but the Italian defence immediately forced a punt without allowing any gain. Italy, led by QB Luke Zahradka, started much sharper and, aided by a series of Canadian penalties, crossed midfield. A deep strike to Andrea Volonnino pushed the Azzurri to the edge of the red zone, and they opened the scoring with a perfectly struck 25-yard field goal from William Testa.

Canada answered on the next drive, moving the chains with a series of crisp passing plays and driving deep as the game moved into the second quarter. They, too, had to settle for three: Adam Preocanin’s field goal tied it at 3–3.

Team Canada’s defence then stiffened, forcing an Italian punt and taking over at its own 24-yard line. The Italian front responded with heavy pressure on the quarterback, but a costly pass interference and a face mask penalty pushed Canada down to the 19-yard line. The first touchdown of the day came on the ground from Jamel Lyles, and with Preocanin’s convert, Canada led 10–3.

With two minutes to go before halftime, Italy’s sputtering offence punted again, but a booming kick pinned Canada at its own 20. Michael O’Connor immediately flipped the field with a deep bomb, acrobatically hauled in by Rysen John to take Canada back into Italian territory. A Pietro Migliori interception brought the Vigorelli crowd to its feet and killed the drive, but a penalty forced Italy to start at its own 12. The remaining seconds ticked away without damage, and Canada went to the locker room up by seven.

Italy opened the second half with the ball, but once more the Canadian defence locked things down and forced a punt. On the ensuing Canadian possession, Chris Merchant took over for O’Connor at quarterback — and on his very first pass, a spectacular one-handed interception by Ryan Minniti flipped the script and sent the Blue Team right back on offence. Cosimo Casati then brought the Vigorelli crowd to its feet with a big run down to the Canadian 41-yard line. On Zahradka’s next pass, a defensive pass interference call tacked on another 15 yards. A rattled Canadian defence kept committing penalties, and Italy took full advantage: a Ryan Minniti run broke the plane of the end zone. Testa added the extra point, and the game was tied again at 10–10.

Canada’s response was immediate. Shaking off the early interception, Merchant settled in on the next series, repeatedly moving the chains and quickly taking the Canadians into the red zone. A pass from Merchant into the hands of Lyles put Canada back out in front. After the extra point, the score moved to 17–10.

Italy refused to fold. Another long run by Minniti crossed midfield, and yet another Canadian penalty moved the ball to the 30. On fourth down, a gutsy throw by Zahradka was hauled in by Matteo Ghelfi to set up a new set of downs right on the doorstep of the end zone. The third quarter ended, and on the first play of the fourth, Volonnino scored. Testa converted, and it was 17–17.

The drama was far from done. With just over six minutes remaining, Canada nudged ahead 20–17 on a field goal, but Italy dug in again, drove past midfield, then turned the ball over on downs at the Canadian 30 with under four minutes to play.

The final two minutes were a slugfest. Giacomo Insom delivered a huge sack on the Canadian QB, forcing a punt and one last chance for the Azzurri. Italy’s final drive was pure heart-stopping theatre: a fourth-down conversion with 40 seconds left, one last desperate push upfield, and then Minniti moving the chains again to the Canadian 25 with eight seconds on the clock. The clock stopped, and Testa came on for a potential game-tying field goal… but the kick came up short.

Canada survived 20–17, but Italy had clearly announced itself as a rising force, going toe-to-toe with a true gridiron powerhouse.

Now attention turns to November 16 in Bochum, where Canada faces Germany to decide who lifts the first Gridiron Nations Championship title. All three teams are still mathematically in the hunt:

• Canada (1–0) has the clearest path: a win, or even a loss by two points or fewer, secures the Championship against Germany (0–1).

• If Germany beats Canada by exactly three, all three nations finish 1–1 with a zero point differential. The second tiebreaker would then decide the title: points scored. Italy currently leads that category with 34 points in two games, followed by Canada with 20 in one game and Germany with 14 in one game.

• If Germany defeats Canada by more than three, the “Men in Black” will be crowned GNC champions.

  
  

One game in, and the Gridiron Nations Championship is already delivering the kind of drama that can reshape the global football map.

Photo credit: Guilo Busi

- with a file from FIDAF.com

BOX SCORE – GRIDIRON NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Canada 20, Italy 17

November 9, 2025 – Velodromo Vigorelli, Milan

Score by Quarter

Team	1	2	3	4	F
Italy	3	0	7	7	17
Canada	0	10	7	3	20

Game Information

Date: 9/11/2025

Site: Milan, Italy | Stadium: Velodromo Vigorelli | A: 2065

Kickoff Time: 15:10 | End of Game: 18:04 | Duration: 2:54

Temperature: 13°C. | Wind: None. | Weather: Clear

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

03:18 – ITA – Testa 26 FGDrive: 12 plays, 66 yds, 6:49 - Italy 3, Canada 0

2nd Quarter

11:22 – CAN – Preocanin 42 FG Drive: 9 plays, 50 yds, 3:48 - Italy 3, Canada 3

02:57 – CAN – Lyles 13 run (Preocanin kick) Drive: 10 plays, 76 yds, 5:35 - Canada 10, Italy 3

3rd Quarter

08:20 – ITA – Minniti 6 run (Testa kick) Drive: 4 plays, 65 yds, 1:45 - Italy 10, Canada 10

03:56 – CAN – Lyles 8 pass from Merchant (Preocanin kick) Drive: 9 plays, 54 yds, 4:17 - Canada 17, Italy 10

4th Quarter

11:54 – ITA – Volonnino 9 pass from Zahradka (Testa kick) Drive: 9 plays, 75 yds, 4:02 - Italy 17, Canada 17

06:12 – CAN – Preocanin 35 FG Drive: 8 plays, 31 yds, 5:35 - Canada 20, Italy 17

Team Statistics

Gridiron Nations Championship

Canada @ Italy (09/11/2025 at Milano)

STATS CAN ITA

FIRST DOWNS 15 21

Rushing 4 4

Passing 9 8

Penalty 2 9

NET YARDS RUSHING 65 73

Rushing attempts 16 17

Average Per Rush 4.1 4.3

Rushing Touchdowns 1 1

Yards Gained Rushing 75 91

Yards Lost Rushing 10 18

NET YARDS PASSING 210 179

Attempted - Completed - Intercepted 34 - 22 - 2 48 - 27 - 0

Average Per Attempt 6.2 3.7

Average Per Completion 9.5 6.6

Passing Touchdowns 1 1

TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS 275 252

Total offense plays 50 65

Average Gain Per Play 5.5 3.9

Fumbles: Number - Lost 0 - 0 0 - 0

Penalties: Number - Yards 16 - 153 8 - 67

PUNTS - YARDS 2 - 64 3 - 108

Average Yards Per Punt 32.0 36.0

Net Yards Per Punt 32.0 33.0

Inside Red Zone 0 0

50+ Yards 0 0

Touchbacks 0 0

Fair catch 0 0

KICKOFF - YARDS 5 - 311 4 - 205

Average Yards Per Kickoff 62.2 51.2

Net Yards Per Kickoff 39.0 27.0

Touchbacks 2 0

Punt returns: Number - Yards - TD 2 - 9 - 0 0 - 0 - 0

Average Per Return 4.5 0.0

Kickoff returns: Number - Yards - TD 4 - 97 - 0 3 - 66 - 0

Average Per Return 24.2 22.0

Interceptions: Number - Yds - TD 0 - 0 - 0 2 - 7 - 0

Fumble Returns: Number - Yds - TD 0 - 0 - 0 0 - 0 - 0

Miscellaneous Yardage 0 0

Possession Time 25:11 22:49

1st Quarter 04:57 07:03

2nd Quarter 07:51 04:09

3rd Quarter 04:24 07:36

4th Quarter 07:59 04:01

3rd down conversions 4 of 10 3 of 12

4th down conversions 0 of 0 3 of 4

Red Zone Scores / Chances 3/3 3/3

Sacks By: Number - Yards 2 - 15 2 - 8

PAT Efficiency | PAT Kick Efficiency 2/2 (2/2) 2/2 (2/2)

Field Goals Efficiency 2/2 1/2

Individual Statistics

Gridiron Nations Championship

Canada (1-0) @ Italy (1-1) (Nov. 9, 2025 at Milano)

Canada

Rushing N Gain Loss Net TD LG AVG

Lyles, Jamel 9 43 2 41 1 13 4.6

Merchant, Chris 6 32 8 24 0 12 4.0

Jourdain, Alex 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.0

TOTALS 16 75 10 65 1 13 4.1

Passing A - C - I Yds TD LG Sack

O'Connor Michael 19 - 12 - 1 134 0 42 0

Merchant Chris 15 - 10 - 1 76 1 15 2

TOTALS 34 - 22 - 2 210 1 42 2

Receiving N Yds TD LG YAC

Lyles, Jamel 8 64 1 17 0

John, Rysen 5 73 0 42 0

Greaves, Jaylen 3 31 0 15 0

Arseneau, Chase 3 25 0 13 0

Dixon, Dallas 2 11 0 7 0

Amis Hay. 1 6 0 6 0

TOTALS 22 210 1 42 0

Punting N Yds AVG LG InR TB Blk

Preocanin, Adam 2 64 32.0 42 0 0 0

TOTALS 2 64 32.0 42 0 0 0

Punt Kickoff Interceptions

Returns N Yds LG N Yds LG N Yds LG

Charles, Patrick 2 9 9 2 41 31 0 0 0

Jourdain, Alexis 0 0 0 2 56 42 0 0 0

TOTALS 2 9 9 4 97 42 0 0 0

Field Goals Qtr Time Dist Result

Preocanin, Adam 2 11:22 42 GOOD

Preocanin, Adam 4 06:12 35 GOOD

Kickoffs N Yds Avg TB OB

Preocanin Ada. 5 311 62.2 2 0

Italy

Rushing N Gain Loss Net TD LG AVG

Minniti, Ryan 6 49 0 49 1 26 8.2

Casati, Cosomo 7 40 2 38 0 24 5.4

TEAM 1 0 1 -1 0 0 -1.0

Zahradka, Luke 3 2 15 -13 0 2 -4.3

TOTALS 17 91 18 73 1 26 4.3

Passing A - C - I Yds TD LG Sack

Zahradka, Luke 47 - 27 - 0 179 1 26 2

TEAM 1 - 0 - 0 0 0 0 0

TOTALS 48 - 27 - 0 179 1 26 2

Receiving N Yds TD LG YAC

Volonnino, Andrea 8 72 1 26 0

Seck, Tamsir 6 18 0 8 0

Minniti, Ryan 5 48 0 16 0

Mozzanica, Mateo 3 13 0 5 0

Casati, Cosimo 2 -3 0 -1 0

Escobar, Bruno 1 14 0 14 0

Ghelfi, Matteo 1 11 0 11 0

Tassan, Carlo 1 6 0 6 0

TOTALS 27 179 1 26 0

Punting N Yds AVG LG InR TB Blk

Testa, William 3 108 36.0 47 0 0 0

TOTALS 3 108 36.0 47 0 0 0

Punt Kickoff Intercept

Returns N Yds LG N Yds LG N Yds LG

Minniti, Ryan 0 0 0 3 66 24 1 0 0

Migliori, Pietro 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 7

TOTALS 0 0 0 3 66 24 2 7 7

Field Goals Qtr Time Dist Result

Testa Wil. 1 03:18 26 GOOD

Testa Wil. 4 00:00 42 MISSED (SHORT)

Kickoffs N Yds Avg TB OB

Testa Wil. 4 205 51.2 0 0

Penalties N Yds

Victome Kev. 3 33

Henry Mak. 3 25

Tanguay Ant. 2 30

Kalra Ath. 2 10

Nixon Max. 1 15

Spencer Jac. 1 15

Marcoux Ale. 1 10

John Rys. 1 5

Sanford Bra. 1 5

Merchant Chr. 1 5

Penalties N Yds

Zahradka Luk. 2 5

Minniti Rya. 1 15

Costanzi And. 1 15

Principi Nic. 1 12

Mozzanica Mat. 1 10

Macaj Rob. 1 5

Rivelli Fra. 1 5

Fumbles N FL

Defensive Statistics

Gridiron Nations Championship

Canada @ Italy (Nov. 9, 2025 at Milano)

Canada

Solo Ast Total Sacks - Yds TFL - Yds FF FR - Yds Int - Yds BrUp Blk QBH

14 - Tanguay Ant. 7 1 7.5 0.5 - 4 0.5 - 4 . . . 1 . .

7 - Victome Kev. 5 . 5.0 . 1.0 - 2 . . . . . .

2 - Johnson Hak. 4 1 4.5 . . . . . 3 . .

30 - Bringi Tom. 3 2 4.0 . 1.0 - 1 . . . . . .

44 - Lawson Jay. 3 1 3.5 0.5 - 3 0.5 - 3 . . . . . .

31 - Nixon Max. 3 . 3.0 . . . . . . . .

5 - Odoom Koj. 3 . 3.0 . 1.0 - 2 . . . 1 . .

45 - Onyenenam Ife. 2 . 2.0 . . . . . . . .

3 - Nitychoruk Jak. 1 1 1.5 . 1.0 - 2 . . . . . .

96 - Spencer Jac. 1 1 1.5 1.0 - 8 1.0 - 8 . . . 1 . .

42 - Morris Dre. 1 . 1.0 . . . . . . . .

4 - Onyeka Ife. 1 . 1.0 . . . . . . . .

74 - Henry Mak. . 1 0.5 . . . . . . . .

TOTALS 34 8 38.0 2.0 - 15 6.0 - 22 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 6 0 0

Italy

Solo Ast Total Sacks - Yds TFL - Yds FF FR - Yds Int - Yds BrUp Blk QBH

14 - Migliori Pie. 5 2 6.0 . . . . 1 - 7 . . .

2 - Ferrari Ale. 4 2 5.0 . . . . . . . .

42 - Suppa Nik. 3 1 3.5 . . . . . . . .

4 - Khay Kev. 3 1 3.5 . . . . . . . .

1 - Costanzi And. 2 . 2.0 . . . . . . . .

25 - Umetelli Fab. 2 . 2.0 . . . . . 1 . .

36 - Giuliani Osawe Des. 2 . 2.0 1.0 - 1 1.0 - 1 . . . . . .

33 - Iacona Chr. 2 . 2.0 . . . . . . . .

99 - Insom Gia. 1 2 2.0 1.0 - 7 1.0 - 7 . . . . . .

9 - Giardinieri Kar. 1 1 1.5 . . . . . . . .

21 - Principi Nic. 1 1 1.5 . . . . . . . .

24 - Minniti Rya. 1 . 1.0 . 1.0 - 2 . . 1 - 0 . . .

18 - Taddia Mar. 1 . 1.0 . 1.0 - 2 . . . . . .

90 - Perego Sim. 1 . 1.0 . . . . . . . .

31 - Scialdone Giov. . 2 1.0 . . . . . . . .

TOTALS 29 12 35.0 2.0 - 8 4.0 - 12 0 0 - 0 2 - 7 1 0 0

Participation Report

Gridiron Nations Championship

Canada @ Italy (09/11/2025 at Milano)

Canada: 2 - Johnson Hak., 3 - Nitychoruk Jak., 4 - Onyeka Ife., 5 - Odoom Koj., 6 - Arseneau Cha., 7 - Victome Kev.,8 - Jourdain Ale., 10 - Simmons Dar., 11 - O'Connor Mic., 12 - Merchant Chr., 14 - Tanguay Ant., 16 - Preocanin Ada.,17 - Hastings Cord., 19 - Valvano Ant., 22 - Lyles Jam., 25 - Charles Pat., 30 - Bringi Tom., 31 - Nixon Max.,35 - Pierre Kha., 40 - Lagace Bru., 42 - Morris Dre., 44 - Lawson Jay., 45 - Onyenenam Ife., 49 - Fleurissaint Jam.,50 - Gauthier Norris Tri., 53 - Wishart Van., 55 - Von Muehldorfer Ben, 57 - Marcoux Ale., 58 - Rosas Tys., 60 - Kalra Ath.,61 - Hajewich Mat., 63 - Sanford Bra., 65 - Levesque Cor., 66 - Mueller Owe., 71 - Hall Ale., 74 - Henry Mak.,78 - Jeffs Phi., 81 - Basalyga Jam., 84 - Dixon Dal., 85 - Greaves Jay., 87 - Amis Hay., 88 - John Rys.,95 - Hicks Ken., 96 - Spencer Jac., 99 - Bertuzzi Aid..

Italy: 1 - Costanzi And., 2 - Ferrari Ale., 3 - Volonnino And., 4 - Khay Kev., 5 - Liffredo And., 7 - Zahradka Luk.,8 - Rivelli Fra., 9 - Giardinieri Kar., 10 - Giardinieri Kri., 11 - Rinaldi Die., 12 - Manicardi Pie., 13 - Duranti Ric.,14 - Migliori Pie., 17 - Seck Tam., 18 - Taddia Mar., 19 - Rai Mat., 20 - Lazzaretto Pao., 21 - Principi Nic.,24 - Minniti Rya., 25 - Umetelli Fab., 26 - Testoni Fab., 28 - Kolonna Mat., 29 - Testa Wil., 31 - Scialdone Giov.,32 - Casati Cos., 33 - Iacona Chr., 36 - Giuliani Osawe Des., 40 - Bartoccioni Ste., 42 - Suppa Nik., 52 - Vuolo Dav.,56 - Guillet Ric., 59 - Lazzaretto Fra., 63 - Macaj Rob., 66 - Boschi Nic., 68 - Zuddas Osc., 72 - Bianchi Mic.,73 - Vascelli Ame., 78 - Gennaio Granato Lor., 80 - Ghelfi Mat., 82 - Escobar Bru., 84 - Tassan Car., 87 - Gianfelici Ema.,88 - Mozzanica Mat., 90 - Perego Sim., 99 - Insom Gia..

Play By Play (1 Quarter)

Gridiron Nations Championship

Canada @ Italy (09/11/2025 at Milano)

Italy won coin toss, choose to defer; Canada choose to receive.

ITA ITA 35 Testa Wil. kick 49 yards to the CAN 16, Jourdain Ale. returns 14 yards to the CAN 30 (tackled by Giardinieri Kar.) (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 11:54).

Canada drive start at 11:54.

CAN 1-10 CAN 30 Lyles Jam. rush for no gain to the CAN 30 (tackled by Insom Gia., Suppa Nik.).

CAN 2-10 CAN 30 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to Lyles Jam. for 3 yards to the CAN 33 (tackled by Ferrari Ale.).

CAN 3-7 CAN 33 O'Connor Mic. pass incomplete to John Rys.; Penalty for CAN (John Rys.), Illegal motion, DECLINED.

CAN 4-7 CAN 33 Preocanin Ada. punt 42 yards to the ITA 25, out-of-bounds (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time:10:07).

Drive: 3 plays, 3 yards, TOP: 01:47; Italy drive start at 10:07.

ITA 1-10 ITA 25 Casati Cos. rush for 5 yards to the ITA 30 (tackled by Nixon Max.).

ITA 2-5 ITA 30 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Tassan Car. for 6 yards to the ITA 36 (tackled by Tanguay Ant.) (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-10 ITA 36 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Mozzanica Mat. for 5 yards to the ITA 41 (tackled by Johnson Hak.).

ITA 2-5 ITA 41 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Casati Cos. for loss of 2 yards to the ITA 39 (tackled by Nitychoruk Jak.).

ITA 3-7 ITA 39 Penalty for CAN (Henry Mak.), Offside defense, 5 yards to the ITA 44.

ITA 3-2 ITA 44 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Mozzanica Mat. (NO PLAY); Penalty for CAN (Kalra Ath.),

Offside defense, 5 yards to the ITA 49. (1ST DOWN ITA)

ITA 1-10 ITA 49 Penalty for ITA (Macaj Rob.), False start, 5 yards to the ITA 44.

ITA 1-15 ITA 44 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Seck Tam. for 8 yards to the CAN 48 (tackled by Victome Kev.).

ITA 2-7 CAN 48 Zahradka Luk. sacked for loss of 6 yards at ITA 46 (sacked by Nixon Max.) (NO PLAY); Penalty for CAN (Henry Mak.), Offside defense, 5 yards to the CAN 43.

ITA 2-2 CAN 43 Casati Cos. rush for loss of 2 yards to the CAN 45 (tackled by Odoom Koj.).

ITA 3-4 CAN 45 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Volonnino And. for 26 yards to the CAN 19 (tackled by Tanguay Ant.), out-of-bounds (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-10 CAN 19 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Volonnino And. for 5 yards to the CAN 14, out-of-bounds.

ITA 2-5 CAN 14 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Volonnino And. for 5 yards to the CAN 9 (tackled by Victome Kev.), out-of-bounds (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-G CAN 9 Minniti Rya. rush for 4 yards to the CAN 5 (tackled by Tanguay Ant.).

ITA 2-G CAN 5 Zahradka Luk. sacked for loss of 8 yards; Penalty for ITA (Zahradka Luk.), Intentional grounding; Intentional Grounding forced by CAN (Spencer Jac.) (LOSS OF DOWN).

ITA 3-G CAN 13 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Mozzanica Mat. for 4 yards to the CAN 9, out-of-bounds.

ITA 4-G CAN 9 Testa Wil. field goal attempt from 26 yards, GOOD (Long Snapper: Guillet Ric.) (Holder: Principi, Nic.) (Time: 03:18).

Score: Canada 0, Italy 3

Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, TOP: 06:49

ITA ITA 35 Testa Wil. kick 50 yards to the CAN 15, Charles Pat. returns 10 yards to the CAN 25 (tackled by Costanzi And.) (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 03:10).

Canada drive start at 03:10.

CAN 1-10 CAN 25 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to Greaves Jay. for 9 yards to the CAN 34 (tackled by Migliori Pie.).

CAN 2-1 CAN 34 Jourdain Ale. rush for no gain to the CAN 34 (tackled by Khay Kev.).

CAN 3-1 CAN 34 Lyles Jam. rush for 7 yards to the CAN 41 (tackled by Ferrari Ale.) (1ST DOWN CAN).

CAN 1-10 CAN 41 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to Lyles Jam. for 12 yards to the ITA 47, out-of-bounds (1ST DOWN CAN).

CAN 1-10 ITA 47 O'Connor Mic. pass incomplete (broken up by Umetelli Fab.) to John Rys..

CAN 2-10 ITA 47 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to Lyles Jam. for 17 yards to the ITA 30 (tackled by Principi Nic.)

(1ST DOWN CAN).

CAN 1-10 ITA 30 O'Connor Mic. pass incomplete to Hastings Cord..

CAN 2-10 ITA 30 Penalty for CAN (Sanford Bra.), Illegal snap, 5 yards to the ITA 35.

CAN 2-15 ITA 35 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to Dixon Dal. for 7 yards to the ITA 28, out-of-bounds.

End of 1st Quarter.

1st downs Conversions

Quarter Summary

Score TP R P X T 3rd 4th Rushing Passing Penalties

Canada 0 04:57 1 2 0 3 1/2 0/0 3-7 8-5-0-48 4-20

Italy 3 07:03 0 3 1 4 1/2 0/0 4--1 8-8-0-57 2-5

Play By Play (2 Quarter)

Gridiron Nations Championship

Canada @ Italy (09/11/2025 at Milano)

CAN 3-8 ITA 28 Penalty for CAN (Kalra Ath.), False start, 5 yards to the ITA 33.

CAN 3-13 ITA 33 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to John Rys. for 8 yards to the ITA 25 (tackled by Umetelli Fab.),out-of-bounds.

CAN 4-5 ITA 25 Preocanin Ada. field goal attempt from 42 yards, GOOD (Long Snapper: Morris Dre.) (Holder:Basalyga Jam.) (Time: 11:22).

Score: Canada 3, Italy 3

Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, TOP: 03:48

CAN CAN 35 Preocanin Ada. kick 60 yards to the ITA 5, Minniti Rya. returns 24 yards to the ITA 29 (tackledby Morris Dre.) (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 11:14).

Italy drive start at 11:14.

Timeout for Italy.

ITA 1-10 ITA 29 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete (broken up by Johnson Hak.) to Volonnino And..

ITA 2-10 ITA 29 Penalty for CAN (Tanguay Ant.), Unnecessary roughness, 15 yards to the ITA 44 (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-10 ITA 44 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Seck Tam. for 1 yard to the ITA 45, out-of-bounds; Penalty for

ITA (Mozzanica Mat.), Assisting the runner, 10 yards to the ITA 35.

ITA 1-19 ITA 35 Minniti Rya. rush for 1 yard to the ITA 36 (tackled by Nitychoruk Jak., Henry Mak.).

ITA 2-18 ITA 36 Zahradka Luk. sacked for loss of 7 yards at ITA 29 (sacked by Tanguay Ant., Lawson Jay.).

ITA 3-25 ITA 29 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Volonnino And. for 9 yards to the ITA 38 (tackled by Victome Kev.).

ITA 4-16 ITA 38 Testa Wil. punt 47 yards to the CAN 15, Charles Pat. returns 9 yards to the CAN 24 (tackled by Khay Kev.) (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 08:32).

Drive: 5 plays, 9 yards, TOP: 02:42; Canada drive start at 08:32.

CAN 1-10 CAN 24 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to Dixon Dal. for 4 yards to the CAN 28, out-of-bounds.

CAN 2-6 CAN 28 Lyles Jam. rush for loss of 2 yards to the CAN 26 (tackled by Taddia Mar.).

CAN 3-8 CAN 26 Penalty for CAN (John Rys.), False start, 5 yards to the CAN 21.

CAN 3-13 CAN 21 O'Connor Mic. pass intercepted (Intended receiver: John Rys.) by Migliori Pie. at CAN 44, Migliori Pie. returns 0 yards to the CAN 44 (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 06:39) (NO PLAY);

Penalty for ITA (Minniti Rya.), Defensive pass interference, 15 yards to the CAN 36. (1ST DOWN CAN)

CAN 1-10 CAN 36 O'Connor Mic. pass incomplete to John Rys..

CAN 2-10 CAN 36 Lyles Jam. rush for 7 yards to the CAN 43 (tackled by Giuliani Osawe Des.).

CAN 3-3 CAN 43 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to Greaves Jay. for 15 yards to the ITA 42 (tackled by Ferrari Ale.)

(1ST DOWN CAN).

CAN 1-10 ITA 42 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to Lyles Jam. for 5 yards to the ITA 37 (tackled by Ferrari Ale.).

CAN 2-5 ITA 37 O'Connor Mic. pass incomplete to Greaves Jay..

CAN 3-5 ITA 37 Lyles Jam. rush for 3 yards to the ITA 34 (tackled by Costanzi And.); Penalty for ITA (Costanzi And.), Face mask, 15 yards to the ITA 19. (1ST DOWN CAN)

CAN 1-10 ITA 19 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to Amis Hay. for 6 yards to the ITA 13 (tackled by Suppa Nik.).

CAN 2-4 ITA 13 Lyles Jam. rush for 13 yards to the ITA 0 (1ST DOWN CAN), TOUCHDOWN (Time: 02:57).

Score: Canada 9, Italy 3

Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, TOP: 05:35

Preocanin Ada. PAT Try Kick, GOOD (Long Snapper: Morris Dre.) (Holder: Basalyga Jam.).

Score: Canada 10, Italy 3

CAN CAN 35 Preocanin Ada. kick 60 yards to the ITA 5, Minniti Rya. returns 19 yards to the ITA 24 (tackled by Lawson Jay.) (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 02:51).

Italy drive start at 02:51.

ITA 1-10 ITA 24 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Volonnino And. (dropped pass).

ITA 2-10 ITA 24 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Volonnino And. for 13 yards to the ITA 37 (tackled by Tanguay Ant.) (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-10 ITA 37 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Seck Tam..

ITA 2-10 ITA 37 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Seck Tam. for 5 yards to the ITA 42 (tackled by Tanguay Ant.).

Timeout for Canada.

ITA 3-5 ITA 42 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Volonnino And. for loss of 2 yards to the ITA 40 (tackled by Victome Kev.).

Two-minute Warning

ITA 4-7 ITA 40 Testa Wil. punt 40 yards to the CAN 20, Charles Pat. returns 0 yards to the CAN 20 (tackled by Khay Kev., Giardinieri Kar.) (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 01:51).

Drive: 5 plays, 16 yards, TOP: 01:00; Canada drive start at 01:51.

CAN 1-10 CAN 20 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to John Rys. for 42 yards to the ITA 38 (1ST DOWN CAN).

CAN 1-10 ITA 38 O'Connor Mic. pass incomplete to John Rys..

CAN 2-10 ITA 38 O'Connor Mic. pass complete to Lyles Jam. for 6 yards to the ITA 32 (tackled by Scialdone Giov., Migliori Pie.).

Timeout for Canada.

CAN 3-4 ITA 32 O'Connor Mic. pass intercepted by Migliori Pie. at ITA 17, Migliori Pie. returns 7 yards to the ITA 24 (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 00:27); Penalty for ITA (Principi Nic.), Push in the back, 12 yards to the ITA 12.

Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, TOP: 01:24; Italy drive start at 00:27.

ITA 1-10 ITA 12 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete (broken up by Johnson Hak.) to Mozzanica Mat..

ITA 2-10 ITA 12 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Minniti Rya. for 4 yards to the ITA 16 (tackled by Bringi Tom.),out-of-bounds; Penalty for CAN (Henry Mak.), Roughing the passer, 15 yards to the ITA 31.

(1ST DOWN ITA)

ITA 1-10 ITA 31 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Volonnino And..

Timeout for Italy.

ITA 2-10 ITA 31 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Mozzanica Mat. (dropped pass).

ITA 3-10 ITA 31 ITA TEAM kneels for loss of 1 yard to the ITA 30.

End of 2nd Quarter.

Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, TOP: 00:27

1st downs Conversions

Quarter Summary

Score TP R P X T 3rd 4th Rushing Passing Penalties

Canada 10 07:51 1 2 2 5 1/4 0/0 4-21 11-7-1-86 4-40

Italy 0 04:09 0 1 2 3 0/2 0/0 3--7 12-6-0-30 4-52

Play By Play (3 Quarter)

Gridiron Nations Championship

Canada @ Italy (09/11/2025 at Milano)

CAN CAN 35 Preocanin Ada. kick 65 yards to the ITA 0, touchback (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 12:00).

Italy drive start at 12:00.

ITA 1-10 ITA 25 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Seck Tam. (dropped pass).

ITA 2-10 ITA 25 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Volonnino And. (dropped pass).

ITA 3-10 ITA 25 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Mozzanica Mat. for 4 yards to the ITA 29 (tackled by Johnson Hak.).

ITA 4-6 ITA 29 Testa Wil. punt 25 yards to the CAN 46 (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 11:00) (NO PLAY);

Penalty for CAN (Tanguay Ant.), Roughing the kicker, 15 yards to the ITA 44. (1ST DOWN ITA)

ITA 1-10 ITA 44 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Tassan Car..

ITA 2-10 ITA 44 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Seck Tam. for 4 yards to the ITA 48, out-of-bounds.

ITA 3-6 ITA 48 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Mozzanica Mat..

ITA 4-6 ITA 48 Penalty for ITA (Rivelli Fra.), False start, 5 yards to the ITA 43.

ITA 4-11 ITA 43 Testa Wil. punt 21 yards to the CAN 36 (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 10:12).

Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, TOP: 01:48; Canada drive start at 10:12.

CAN 1-10 CAN 36 Offsetting Penalty for CAN (Charles Pat.), Unsportsmanlike conduct; Offsetting Penalty for ITA (Giardinieri Kar.), Unsportsmanlike conduct.

CAN 1-10 CAN 36 Merchant Chr. pass intercepted by Minniti Rya. at ITA 35, Minniti Rya. returns 0 yards to the ITA 35 (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 10:05); Penalty for CAN TEAM, Ineligible downfield on pass, DECLINED.

Drive: 1 play, 0 yards, TOP: 00:07; Italy drive start at 10:05.

ITA 1-10 ITA 35 Casati Cos. rush for 24 yards to the CAN 41 (tackled by Tanguay Ant.) (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-10 CAN 41 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete (broken up by Victome Kev.) to Volonnino And. (NO PLAY);

Penalty for CAN (Victome Kev.), Defensive pass interference, 15 yards to the CAN 26. (1ST

DOWN ITA)

ITA 1-10 CAN 26 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete (broken up by Johnson Hak.) to Seck Tam..

ITA 2-10 CAN 26 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Volonnino And. (NO PLAY); Penalty for CAN (Victome Kev.), Defensive holding, 10 yards to the CAN 16. (1ST DOWN ITA)

ITA 1-10 CAN 16 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Volonnino And. (NO PLAY); Penalty for CAN (Victome Kev.), Defensive holding, 8 yards to the CAN 8. (1ST DOWN ITA)

ITA 1-G CAN 8 Casati Cos. rush for 2 yards to the CAN 6 (tackled by Lawson Jay.).

ITA 2-G CAN 6 Minniti Rya. rush for 6 yards to the CAN 0, TOUCHDOWN (Time: 08:20).

Score: Canada 10, Italy 9

Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, TOP: 01:45

Testa Wil. PAT Try Kick, GOOD (Long Snapper: Guillet Ric.) (Holder: Principi Nic.).

Score: Canada 10, Italy 10

ITA ITA 35 Testa Wil. kick 50 yards to the CAN 15, Charles Pat. returns 31 yards to the CAN 46 (tackled by Iacona Chr.) (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 08:13).

Canada drive start at 08:13.

CAN 1-10 CAN 46 Lyles Jam. rush for 4 yards to the CAN 50 (tackled by Migliori Pie.), out-of-bounds.

CAN 2-6 CAN 50 Merchant Chr. pass complete to Greaves Jay. for 7 yards to the ITA 43 (tackled by Migliori Pie.), out-of-bounds (1ST DOWN CAN).

CAN 1-10 ITA 43 Lyles Jam. rush for 5 yards to the ITA 38 (tackled by Suppa Nik.).

CAN 2-5 ITA 38 Merchant Chr. rush for 7 yards to the ITA 31 (tackled by Ferrari Ale., Scialdone Giov.) (1ST DOWN CAN).

CAN 1-10 ITA 31 Merchant Chr. pass complete to Arseneau Cha. for 2 yards to the ITA 29 (tackled by Khay Kev.).

CAN 2-8 ITA 29 Merchant Chr. pass complete to Arseneau Cha. for 10 yards to the ITA 19 (tackled by Migliori

Pie.) (1ST DOWN CAN); Penalty for ITA (Scialdone Giov.), Offside defense, DECLINED.

CAN 1-10 ITA 19 Merchant Chr. pass complete to John Rys. for 11 yards to the ITA 8 (tackled by Migliori Pie.)

(1ST DOWN CAN).

CAN 1-G ITA 8 Merchant Chr. pass incomplete to John Rys..

CAN 2-G ITA 8 Merchant Chr. pass complete to Lyles Jam. for 8 yards to the ITA 0, TOUCHDOWN (Time:03:56).

Score: Canada 16, Italy 10

Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, TOP: 04:17

Preocanin Ada. PAT Try Kick, GOOD (Long Snapper: Morris Dre.) (Holder: Basalyga Jam.).

Score: Canada 17, Italy 10

CAN CAN 35 Preocanin Ada. kick 65 yards to the ITA 0, touchback (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 03:56).

Italy drive start at 03:56.

ITA 1-10 ITA 25 Minniti Rya. rush for 1 yard to the ITA 26 (tackled by Spencer Jac., Bringi Tom.).

ITA 2-9 ITA 26 Minniti Rya. rush for 26 yards to the CAN 48 (tackled by Johnson Hak.), out-of-bounds (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-10 CAN 48 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Seck Tam. for no gain to the CAN 48 (tackled by Tanguay Ant.).

ITA 2-10 CAN 48 Penalty for CAN (Spencer Jac.), Unnecessary roughness, 15 yards to the CAN 33 (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-10 CAN 33 Casati Cos. rush for 3 yards to the CAN 30 (tackled by Onyenenam Ife.).

ITA 2-7 CAN 30 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete (broken up by Odoom Koj.) to Seck Tam..

ITA 3-7 CAN 30 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Casati Cos. for loss of 1 yard to the CAN 31 (tackled by Bringi Tom.).

ITA 4-8 CAN 31 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Ghelfi Mat. for 11 yards to the CAN 20 (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-10 CAN 20 Minniti Rya. rush for 11 yards to the CAN 9 (tackled by Onyenenam Ife.) (1ST DOWN ITA).

End of 3rd Quarter.

Quarter Summary 1st downs Conversions

Score TP R P X T 3rd 4th Rushing Passing Penalties

Canada 7 04:24 1 3 0 4 0/0 0/0 3-16 7-5-1-38 5-63

Italy 7 07:36 3 1 5 9 0/3 1/1 7-73 11-5-0-18 1-5

Play By Play (4 Quarter)

Gridiron Nations Championship

Canada @ Italy (09/11/2025 at Milano)

ITA 1-G CAN 9 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Volonnino And. for 9 yards to the CAN 0, TOUCHDOWN (Time:11:54).

Score: Canada 17, Italy 16

Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP: 04:02

Testa Wil. PAT Try Kick, GOOD (Long Snapper: Guillet Ric.) (Holder: Principi Nic.).

Score: Canada 17, Italy 17

ITA ITA 35 Testa Wil. kick 56 yards to the CAN 9, Jourdain Ale. returns 42 yards to the ITA 49 (tackled by Iacona Chr.) (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 11:47).

Canada drive start at 11:47.

CAN 1-10 ITA 49 Merchant Chr. pass complete to Lyles Jam. for loss of 2 yards to the CAN 49 (tackled by Minniti, Rya.).

CAN 2-12 CAN 49 Merchant Chr. pass incomplete to Greaves Jay. (dropped pass).

CAN 3-12 CAN 49 Merchant Chr. pass complete to Lyles Jam. for 15 yards to the ITA 36 (tackled by Umetelli Fab.)

(1ST DOWN CAN).

CAN 1-10 ITA 36 Merchant Chr. pass incomplete to Lyles Jam. (NO PLAY); Penalty for CAN (Marcoux Ale.),Holding, 10 yards to the ITA 46.

CAN 1-20 ITA 46 Merchant Chr. rush for 9 yards to the ITA 37 (tackled by Perego Sim.).

CAN 2-11 ITA 37 Merchant Chr. pass complete to Arseneau Cha. for 13 yards to the ITA 24 (tackled by Migliori, Pie., Principi Nic.) (1ST DOWN CAN).

CAN 1-10 ITA 24 Merchant Chr. sacked for loss of 1 yard at ITA 25 (sacked by Giuliani Osawe Des.).

CAN 2-11 ITA 25 Penalty for CAN (Merchant Chr.), Delay of game, 5 yards to the ITA 30.

CAN 2-16 ITA 30 Merchant Chr. pass complete to John Rys. for 6 yards to the ITA 24, out-of-bounds.

CAN 3-10 ITA 24 Merchant Chr. pass complete to John Rys. for 6 yards to the ITA 18, out-of-bounds.

CAN 4-4 ITA 18 Preocanin Ada. field goal attempt from 35 yards, GOOD (Long Snapper: Morris Dre.) (Holder:Basalyga Jam.) (Time: 06:12).

Score: Canada 20, Italy 17

Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, TOP: 05:35

CAN CAN 35 Preocanin Ada. kick 61 yards to the ITA 4, Minniti Rya. returns 23 yards to the ITA 27 (tackledby Lawson Jay.) (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 06:06).

The Italy drive start at 06:06.

ITA 1-10 ITA 27 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete (broken up by Spencer Jac.) to Seck Tam..

ITA 2-10 ITA 27 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Seck Tam..

ITA 3-10 ITA 27 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Escobar Bru. for 14 yards to the ITA 41 (tackled by Bringi Tom.) (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-10 ITA 41 Casati Cos. rush for 5 yards to the ITA 46 (tackled by Nixon Max.); Penalty for CAN (Nixon, Max.), Late hit, 15 yards to the CAN 39. (1ST DOWN ITA)

ITA 1-10 CAN 39 Casati Cos. rush for 1 yard to the CAN 38 (tackled by Johnson Hak.).

ITA 2-9 CAN 38 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Rai Mat..

Timeout for Italy.

ITA 3-9 CAN 38 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Volonnino And..

ITA 4-9 CAN 38 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Volonnino And. for 7 yards to the CAN 31 (tackled by Victome, Kev.) (DOWN POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 03:54).

Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, TOP: 02:12; Canada drive start at 03:54.

CAN 1-10 CAN 31 Lyles Jam. rush for 4 yards to the CAN 35 (tackled by Ferrari Ale., Insom Gia.).

CAN 2-6 CAN 35 Merchant Chr. pass incomplete to John Rys..

CAN 3-6 CAN 35 Merchant Chr. rush for 12 yards to the CAN 47 (1ST DOWN CAN).

CAN 1-10 CAN 47 Merchant Chr. sacked for loss of 7 yards at CAN 40 (sacked by Insom Gia.).

Two-minute Warning

CAN 2-17 CAN 40 Merchant Chr. rush for 4 yards to the CAN 44 (tackled by Suppa Nik.).

Timeout for Italy.

CAN 3-13 CAN 44 Merchant Chr. pass incomplete to John Rys.; Penalty for CAN (Basalyga Jam.), Illegal motion, DECLINED.

CAN 4-13 CAN 44 Preocanin Ada. punt 22 yards to the ITA 34, out-of-bounds (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time:01:36).

Drive: 6 plays, 13 yards, TOP: 02:18; Italy drive start at 01:36.

ITA 1-10 ITA 34 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete (broken up by Tanguay Ant.) to Tassan Car..

ITA 2-10 ITA 34 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Minniti Rya. for 9 yards to the ITA 43 (tackled by Onyeka Ife.).

ITA 3-1 ITA 43 Zahradka Luk. rush for 2 yards to the ITA 45 (tackled by Nixon Max.) (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-10 ITA 45 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Volonnino And..

ITA 2-10 ITA 45 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Seck Tam..

ITA 3-10 ITA 45 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Seck Tam. for no gain to the ITA 45 (tackled by Odoom Koj.),out-of-bounds.

ITA 4-10 ITA 45 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Minniti Rya. for 16 yards to the CAN 39 (tackled by Johnson, Hak., Bringi Tom.) (1ST DOWN ITA).

ITA 1-10 CAN 39 ITA TEAM spiked the ball to stop the clock.

ITA 2-10 CAN 39 Zahradka Luk. pass incomplete to Ghelfi Mat. (dropped pass).

ITA 3-10 CAN 39 Penalty for ITA (Zahradka Luk.), Delay of game, 5 yards to the CAN 44.

ITA 3-15 CAN 44 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Minniti Rya. for 9 yards to the CAN 35 (tackled by Odoom, Koj.), out-of-bounds.

Timeout for Canada.

ITA 4-6 CAN 35 Zahradka Luk. pass complete to Minniti Rya. for 10 yards to the CAN 25 (1ST DOWN ITA).

Timeout for Italy.

ITA 1-10 CAN 25 Testa Wil. field goal attempt from 42 yards, MISSED (Wide Left - Short) (Long Snapper: Guillet Ric.)

(Holder: Principi Nic.) (POSSESSION CHANGE, Time: 00:00).

Drive: 11 plays, 41 yards, TOP: 01:36; Canada drive start at 00:00.

End of 4th Quarter.

Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, TOP: 00:00

1st downs Conversions

Quarter Summary

Score TP R P X T 3rd 4th Rushing Passing Penalties

Canada 3 07:59 1 2 0 3 2/4 0/0 6-21 8-5-0-38 3-30

Italy 7 04:01 1 3 1 5 2/5 2/3 3-8 17-8-0-74 1-5