World Footy News

An incredible performance with seven goals in the final quarter saw the Italia Azzurris score a dramatic and unexpected come-from-behind win over the London Swans in Milano last Saturday, April 10th.

Eight goals from full-forward Bruno Nugnes helped the Italians to a 19-point win over the undermanned Swans. This represented the first victory for the Italians at home, who have also hosted the Frankfurt Redbacks since their formation last year.

Thanks to the AFL Italia for this report.

The more experienced Swans got a 22 point lead early in the first quarter and managed to hold on until midway through the second term. But the Italians, lead by full-forward Bruno Nugnes, struck back, scoring 5 unaswered majors (3 to Nugnes and 1 each to Bernasconi and Seba Perata) to give Italy a 52 to 44 lead at half time.

In the third quarter, an outstanding Anthony Raso led the Swans by booting 4 goals and strongly marking every ball coming his way. Three quarter time score saw the London Swans in front with a 9 point margin.

In the final term, two quick goals by Bruno Nugnes and Luca Tramontin put Italia in front again, but Raso again stood up for the red & whites. The former Carlton player booted a couple of goals, grabbing back the lead for the English team.

But the last 5 minutes of the game saw the home team lift and dominate, with the Swans paying dearly for a lack of interchange. Bruno Nugnes, Seba Perata and Denis Conte booted the crucial goals which gave the first-ever win on home soil for the Italia Azzurri team in a wonderful day of Australian Football, very much enjoyed by both teams and by the passionate crowd that attended the match.

The Swans travel back to England, where the AFL London season kicks off at the start of May. The Italian domestic league has recently begun its inaugural season, with teams in Milan, Genoa, Rome and Lugano (Switzerland) competing for the premiership.

Italy will also host an international tournament in July as part of the Fontanafredda Rugby Tournament, with the Scottish, Czech and Croatian national teams venturing to Fontanafredda, near Venice for the event.

Goals:
ITALIA: Nugnes 8, S. Perata 3, Benetello 2, Bernasconi 2, Tramontin, Conte
LONDON SWANS: Raso 8, Issa 3, Locus 2, Sattler.

Best:
ITALIA: Nugnes, S Perata, Benetello, Conte, T Arnulfo, Strappazzon
LONDON SWANS: Raso, Sattler, Elber, Issa