World Footy News

Last Saturday November 7th saw Germany's Frankfurt Redbacks travel south of the Alps, to the town of Lainate, near Milan, to take on the Italian national team. The game, won by the Redbacks by a solitary point, was the official match of the Italian National Aussie Rules team on home soil.

Thanks to Armando Colombo from the AFL Italia for this report. Full story includes a link to match highlights on YouTube.

The more experienced Redbacks got off with a flying start and with two quick goals by Kevin Hopf and Timon Meyer took the lead, before the Azzurris started to bounce back.

A lack of precision in front of goal saw the Italians score just 6 consecutive behinds, and after another major by Hopf the teams went to first break with the Germans leading by 13 points.

Early in the second term a set shot by Nunes gave to Italy their first goal of the match, and gave the home team some enthusiasm and the strenght to score another couple of goals. At half time the Redbacks led 32 to 24.

The third quarter saw the Italian team more aggressive on the field, contesting possession with the opponents, conceding them just seven points for the term, and closing it with goals by Phil Carson and Bruno Nunes, which levelled the score 39-all at the last break.

In the opening minutes of the last term, the Italia team was dominating the game, but despite spending a lot of time in the forward zone, managed to scored just 4 behinds, and their maximum lead was just 4 points.

Kevin Hopf converted from 30 meters on a 45 degree angle to grab back the lead for the Germans, and the final assault by the home team was frustrated by the great experience of Malte Schudlich, who to finish of a best-on-ground performance booted two majors. The Redbacks what looked to be home, leading 45 - 58.

But the boys in the “Azzurri” guernsey weren’t happy with the score, and put in a great performance in time-on. Late goals again by Bruno Nunes and Phil Carson gave to the final score a more correct shape, considering what has been showed on the field by two proud and happy teams.

Goals:
ITALIA: Nunes 3; Carson 3; Colombo
FRANKFURT: Hopf 4; Schudlich 2; Howe; Meyer

Best:
ITALIA: Colombo; Conte; Arnulfo T.
FRANKFURT: Schudlich; Hopf; Dean