MILAN – The 2025 season kicked off in emphatic fashion for the Rhinos Milano, who delivered a resounding 38-0 shutout against the Warriors Bologna at Velodromo Vigorelli. After a scoreless first quarter, the home team found its rhythm and never looked back, overwhelming their opponents with a mix of big plays and relentless defense.
Head coach Luca Lorandi‘s squad initially struggled to move the ball, while the defense held firm, refusing to concede any ground. Quarterback Marquez McCray had a slow start, but once he found his groove, the Rhinos’ offense came to life.
Defensive Dominance Sets the Tone
The first major highlight came in Bologna’s opening drive when defensive lineman Guglielmo Mauri sacked Warriors quarterback Viktor Wessberg, immediately signaling the level of intensity the Swedish national team player would face all night. Later in the third quarter, Destiny Giuliani repeatedly pressured Wessberg, ensuring the Warriors never gained traction.
The deadlock was broken at the start of the second quarter when a botched punt by Bologna gave Milano excellent field position. Though unable to reach the end zone, kicker Giacomo Sarra nailed a field goal to put the Rhinos on the board, 3-0.
Offense Awakens: McCray, Bouah, and Poda Shine
Following the opening score, Bologna attempted to mount a response, but Milano’s defense swiftly shut them down. On the ensuing drive, McCray connected with Jordan Bouah for a stunning 60-yard touchdown after the receiver broke free following a reception at the Rhinos’ 40-yard line. Sarra missed the extra point, but the hosts extended their lead to 9-0.
The Warriors managed to drive into Rhinos’ red zone, but Lorenzo Ricco intercepted Wessberg in the end zone, extinguishing any momentum for Bologna. With just under four minutes remaining in the first half, McCray electrified the crowd with a spectacular scramble, escaping a sack inside his own 10-yard line and sprinting 75 yards to set up a first down inside the Warriors’ 15-yard line. A quick screen pass to Modeste Poda resulted in another touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion to Bruno Escobar, stretching the lead to 17-0.
The Warriors mismanaged the game clock and were forced to punt with just 15 seconds before halftime. Their mistake proved costly. McCray immediately hit Bouah for a deep reception to the Warriors’ 13-yard line, setting up a last-second strike to the same receiver in the left corner of the end zone. With Sarra’s extra point, the Rhinos entered halftime with a commanding 24-0 lead.
Second Half: Controlling the Clock and Sealing the Win
With the game firmly in their grasp, Milano focused on managing the clock in the second half. Midway through the third quarter, McCray and Bouah connected again for another touchdown, pushing the score to 31-0.
Bologna showed some late resilience, orchestrating a promising drive to the Rhinos’ 2-yard line. However, on fourth-and-goal, Alessandro Faoro sacked Wessberg, extinguishing any hope for a consolation touchdown.
With four minutes left in the game, McCray put the final stamp on the win, delivering a pinpoint pass to Escobar in the end zone for a 38-0 lead. With the mercy rule in effect, the clock wound down quickly, sealing a dominant opening victory for the Rhinos.
Looking Ahead
Lorandi’s squad showcased its potential, with McCray leading an explosive offense and a suffocating defense orchestrated by coordinator Chuck Howthorne. Their next test comes on Saturday, February 22, once again at Velodromo Vigorelli, where they will host the Panthers Parma. The Panthers opened their season with a 35-10 road victory over the Lions Bergamo, setting up a highly anticipated showdown in Week 2.