The Milano Rhinos (2-3) will host the Ancona Dolphins (2-0) in week 5 of the IFL. Despite their 3 losses, the Rhinos remain optimistic they can start a playoff run by upsetting the undefeated Dolphins.
Football is a Game of Inches
Milano is coming off another heartbreaking loss to the Legnano Frogs 27-28. All three of the Rhinos' losses were decided by a total of 8 points. Milano has had a chance to win every game, but have just come up short. They are looking to come out on the winning side of close games for the second half of the season. The Rhinos have played the most games this season 5 in a row, so this Easter bye week was much needed for them to recover and reset for the final stretch of the season.
Rhinos Make Mid-Season Changes
The Rhinos have made changes to their coaching staff by parting ways with American Offensive Coordinator Khalil Steward and promoting Wide Receivers coach Gabriel Zaccarelli to Offensive Coordinator. Milano has also hired 4-time Super Bowl winning coach Brian Pariani to help lead the offense for the rest of the season. These are big changes in the middle of the season, but are understandable considering how the season has gone through the first 5 games. Hamish McClure will continue to lead the offense, as he has been solid for the Rhinos thus far both running and passing. His 55% completion percentage needs to improve, but he has only thrown 2 interceptions and 16 touchdown passes this season.
Trap Game for Ancona
This matchup is very interesting as Ancona is coming off 2 weeks of rest, after a heart stopping victory over the Parma Panthers. The Rhinos have played 3 more games, and this could be an advantage as the Dolphins have only played 2 games in that 5 week span. Ancona are the favorites to win, but if they are still hungover from their previous win combined with two weeks off, they will be in for a close game. A close game should be expected anyways, as most of the Rhino’s games have come down to the very end.
Playoff Push Starts Now
Making the game close will be up to Milano`s defense and if they can stop the Dolphins early and often. With the coaching changes to the offensive side of the ball it could take some time for them to settle in and create scores. Milano is still a great team, trying to get things right to make a playoff push,which they still can do. They have been highly competitive and need one or two more plays to go their way to end these games with wins. This match up should bring a fantastic finish in Milano.
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