The 2010 IFL League will start this Sunday, when Parma will face the Bergamo Lions, 12 times Italian Champions.

Parma, March 12, 2010 – The 2010 IFL League will start this Sunday, with Parma playing in the neutral field of Bolzano. The unavailability of the XXV Aprile, due to the snow fallen the last couple of days in Parma, forced the Panthers to moved the game to Bolzano. The kick-off is scheduled at 4.00pm CET.

Parma will face the Bergamo Lions, 12 times Italian Champions: a tough opponent. In the past years Bergamo won 3 Eurobowl, 1 Champions League and had a winning streak of 73 games in Italy and 60 in Europe. Last season Bergamo lost the IFL semifinal against the Bolzano Giants, the current Italian Champions.

This year Bergamo has a new Head Coach: Doug Cosbie, a former Dallas Cowboys and three times Pro-Bowler Tight End. In addition, another former NFL player will be under center: Bradlee Van Pelt (Denver Broncos). Moreover, the explosive Lions passing game can count on WRs Marco Podavitte and Matteo Zucco, both members of the Italian National Team.

From the Panthers side, a lot of young players were added to the roster. Between them, Italian Under 21 Champions Enrico Bergonzani (TE), Marcello Musi (DL), Alessandro Malpeli Avalli (HB) and Francesco Diaferia (WR) should see some actions. Last season superstar QB Joe Craddock and WR Craig McIntyre, with the addition of LB Greg Hay, are the american trio.

The last meeting between the Panthers and the Lions ended with a 30-26 win for Parma, after an impressive comeback from a 19 points deficit.