AFLE
GoldBowl2026
Sep 6 · Duisburg0d 00h
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Firenze Red Lions

Firenze Red Lions

01Season 2026

Franchise

Florence, Italy
Est. 2026
South/East Conference

Guelfi Sports Center

Via del Perugino, 45/1, 50142 Firenze FI, Italy

Seasons

2026

Staff

Head Coach
Bill Shuey
Offensive Coordinator
Mike Mitchell
Defensive Coordinator
Bill Shuey
General Manager
Bart Iaccarino

Contact

Team Colors

<p>©M. Elizechea</p>

Paris Lights Claim Historic First Win Over Firenze Red Lions

30.05.202613:39

Evan Hillock leads comeback as Lights score 30 unanswered points to open franchise history with a win. Final Score: Firenze Red Lions at Paris Lights – 8:30 A Rocky Start for Both Sides Neither team looked particularly sharp out of the gate. High snaps in the special teams caused problems on both sides, and the […]

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Where can I watch Week 2 of the American Football League Europe live?

29.05.202614:39

Week 2 is here and for the first time all eight AFLE franchises take the field in the same weekend. While the Vienna Vikings, Berlin Thunder, Panthers Wroclaw and London Warriors already played their first game in Week 1, the season truly kicks off for Rhein Fire, Alpine Rams, Paris Lights and Firenze Red Lions […]

<p>©American Football League Europe</p>

Overlooked. Underestimated. The Firenze Red Lions are ready to prove everyone wrong

27.05.202616:00

The Firenze Red Lions are one of the least talked about teams in the American Football League Europe. A brand new franchise from Italy, playing in a stadium dedicated entirely to American football, with a coaching staff that was reshuffled weeks before the season and a roster built from players that most other teams passed […]

<p>©Alice Misciatti</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign right tackle William Egbuna Nwankwo

16.05.202619:00

The Firenze Red Lions continue to add size and depth to their offensive line, signing Italian tackle William Egbuna Nwankwo. At 1.98m and 142kg, Nwankwo brings an imposing physical presence to the Red Lions‘ offensive front. A familiar face in Italian football Nwankwo has built his career across two of Italy’s well-known clubs, most recently […]

<p>©Stefano Pugliese</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign kicking specialist Jacopo Impallomeni for 2026

16.05.202612:00

The Firenze Red Lions have found their kicking specialist, signing Italian Jacopo Impallomeni ahead of their debut season. Impallomeni arrives from the Lazio Marines, where he established himself as a reliable and consistent performer in both kicking and punting. Reliable from distance Impallomeni has shown impressive accuracy with his field goal kicking, converting all four […]

© American Football League Europe

Eight head coaches, one vision: introducing the men leading the AFLE in 2026

15.05.202617:48

The American Football League Europe’s inaugural season will be defined not only by the players on the field but by the coaches guiding them from the sideline. From NFL veterans to European football legends, the AFLE’s eight head coaches bring a remarkable range of experience and philosophy to the league. Here is a look at […]

© American Football League Europe

Red Lions HC Bill Shuey: “We’re building a team the city can be proud of”

15.05.202615:30

The Firenze Red Lions are entering the AFLE with ambition, identity, and a head coach who understands what professional football culture looks like at the highest level. With longtime NFL assistant coach Bill Shuey leading the project, the Italian franchise is betting on structure, discipline, and long-term development rather than short-term hype. Bill Shuey’s NFL […]

<p>©Riccardo Foglio</p>

Homegrown defensive back Fabio Testoni joins the Firenze Red Lions

15.05.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions have signed another young homegrown talent, adding 21-year-old Italian defensive back Fabio Testoni to their roster. Testoni arrives from the Frogs Legnano, where he has been building his game this season. A young player on the rise Testoni spent 2025 with the Skorpions Varese before moving to the Frogs Legnano this […]

© American Football League Europe

Eight quarterbacks, one goal: introducing the signal callers of the AFLE

14.05.202615:30

The American Football League Europe is set to kick off its inaugural season and at the heart of every offense stands a quarterback. From Grey Cup champions to college record breakers, the AFLE’s eight starting quarterbacks bring a diverse and impressive range of experience to the field. Here is a look at the men who […]

<p>©Sofia Salmoiraghi</p>

Offensive tackle Mamadou Kapernik signs with the Firenze Red Lions

14.05.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions have added another piece to their offensive line, signing Italian homegrown Mamadou Kapernik. The 26-year-old brings a wealth of domestic experience to a unit that is being built to protect quarterback Matthew McKay. A reliable presence in Italian football Kapernik spent five seasons with the Lions Bergamo before moving to the […]

<p>©murden_photography</p>

British defensive lineman Ellis Phillips joins the Firenze Red Lions

13.05.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions have announced another young British signing, adding outside linebacker and defensive lineman Ellis Phillips to their roster. At just 19 years old, Phillips is one of the most exciting young talents in British football and arrives alongside fellow SGS College American Football Academy product Gibril Krubally. A standout talent at every […]

<p>©murden_photography</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign British talent Gibril Krubally

12.05.202619:00

The Firenze Red Lions have found their next roster addition, signing young British linebacker Gibril Krubally. At just 20 years old, Krubally arrives from the SGS College American Football Academy and represents the latest example of the Red Lions‘ deliberate approach to building their squad. A clear strategy taking shape With Krubally’s signing, the Firenze […]

© American Football League Europe

The complete AFLE franchise lineup for the 2026 season

10.05.202615:00

The American Football League Europe has confirmed all eight franchises that will compete in its inaugural season beginning May 23, 2026. With the London Warriors now officially announced, the full picture of Europe’s newest professional football league is complete. Here is a look at every team taking the field. Rhein Fire, Germany Rhein Fire is […]

<p>©BYITZII_</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign Spanish defensive back Yago Sanchez

09.05.202619:00

The Firenze Red Lions have completed their Spanish homegrown signings, adding defensive back Yago Sanchez as the third and final player they were permitted to sign through the Spanish solidarity rule. Sanchez joins from the Madrid Bravos and adds further depth to the Red Lions‘ defensive backfield. Another Bravos talent heads to Florence Sanchez spent […]

<p>©Irena Leite</p>

Firenze Red Lions strengthen offensive line with Jude Matombe

08.05.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions have found their next homegrown addition, signing offensive lineman Jude Matombe ahead of the 2026 season. Matombe joins from the Rhinos Milano, where he established himself as a reliable and dependable presence on the offensive line and consistently protected his quarterback. Adding depth to an experienced unit Matombe steps into an […]

<p>©Riccardo Foglio</p>

Firenze Red Lions strengthen defensive front with homegrown Albert Bottey

07.05.202619:00

The Firenze Red Lions have found their next defensive addition, signing Italian homegrown Albert Bottey ahead of the 2026 season. Bottey joins from the Warriors Bologna and adds another homegrown piece to a defensive front that is steadily taking shape. Adding depth to the defensive line Bottey steps into a defensive unit that already has […]

<p>©Hannes Jirgal</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign Italian national team wide receiver Matteo Mozzanica

06.05.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions have added another homegrown wide receiver to their roster, signing Italian national team player Matteo Mozzanica. The 25-year-old from Varese brings an impressive track record and international experience to the Red Lions‘ receiving corps. A strong foundation in Italian football Mozzanica built his reputation with his hometown Varese Skorpions, where he […]

<p>©Monica Audoglio</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign homegrown running back Giovanni La Rocca

01.05.202619:00

The Firenze Red Lions continue to make progress in their roster building, signing 26-year-old Italian running back Giovanni La Rocca ahead of their debut season in 2026. La Rocca brings a wealth of domestic experience to the Red Lions‘ backfield. A well-travelled career across Italian football La Rocca has built his career across some of […]

<p>©Lazio Marines</p>

Michele Costa strengthens Firenze Red Lions wide receiver corps

30.04.202610:00

The Firenze Red Lions have added another homegrown player to their roster, signing 23-year-old Italian wide receiver Michele Costa. Costa joins from the Lazio Marines, where he established himself as a reliable and consistent target in the passing game. Depth in a talented receiver room Costa steps into a wide receiver corps that already has […]

<p>©Riccardo Foglio</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign homegrown defensive back Pietro Migliori

27.04.202616:05

The Firenze Red Lions have added another homegrown player to their roster, signing 24-year-old Italian defensive back Pietro Migliori. Migliori arrives with a mix of domestic and European experience and is motivated to make his mark for the AFLE franchise of his home country. Experience across Europe Migliori built his career at the Giaguari Torino […]

© American Football League Europe

From LFA’s First-Overall Pick to the AFLE &#8211; Abraham Chacón&#8217;s journey to Europe 

22.04.202615:25

The Firenze Red Lions have made a statement by signing Abraham Chacón as the first player in franchise history. The Mexican standout arrives in Europe with high expectations, a strong résumé, and the ambition to leave his mark on the growing American Football scene Europe as part of the AFLE. From Mexico to Europe: Abraham […]

<p>©Abcutthat</p>

British defensive lineman Lambert Jaden Ondoua strengthens Firenze Red Lions defense

21.04.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions continue to add talent to their roster, signing young British defensive lineman Lambert Jaden Ondoua ahead of the 2026 season. Despite his relatively short time in the sport, Ondoua has already made a significant impression at multiple levels of the game. Experience on both sides of the Atlantic Ondoua has gained […]

<p>©Matteo Angiolino</p>

Firenze Red Lions announce Guelfi Sports Center as home stadium for 2026

18.04.202618:00

The Firenze Red Lions have found their sporting home. The franchise has announced that they will play their home games at the Guelfi Sports Center during the 2026 American Football League Europe season. A stadium built for American football The Guelfi Sports Center is a venue dedicated entirely to American football, making it a natural […]

<p>©Luis Sanchez</p>

Firenze Red Lions complete American import roster with defensive back Trajon Cotton

17.04.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions have completed their American import signings, adding defensive back Trajon Cotton to the roster. Cotton brings a strong college background, professional experience in Mexico and a reputation as both a playmaker and a leader on and off the field. A standout high school prospect Cotton’s football journey began with an impressive […]

<p>@nesi.shot</p>

Firenze Red Lions add French offensive lineman Jordy Kabebi

15.04.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions continue to build their roster by strengthening the offensive line with the signing of French lineman Jordy Kabebi. The Red Lions add a powerful player who most recently played for the Grizzlys Catalans in the French Division 1. Strong presence on the line During his time in France, Kabebi showed strong […]

<p>©Syracuse University</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign former NFL running back Jerome Smith as running backs coach

13.04.202610:47

The Firenze Red Lions continue to build out their organization, adding former NFL running back Jerome Smith to their coaching staff as running backs coach. Smith brings a rare combination of playing experience at the highest level and a growing coaching resume to Florence. A standout college career at Syracuse Smith played four years as […]

<p>©Andrea Pagano</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign Italian receiver Claudio Caruso

12.04.202612:00

The Firenze Red Lions have added another wide receiver to their roster, signing 34-year-old Italian Claudio Caruso ahead of their debut season in 2026. Caruso joins from the Elephants Catania and brings a wealth of experience to the Red Lions‘ receiving corps. Experience to complement the group With Caruso now on board, the Red Lions […]

<p>©West Virginia University</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign former West Virginia receiver Devin Carter

09.04.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions have found their second American offensive player, signing wide receiver Devin Carter. Carter brings college pedigree, professional experience and a refined skill set to the Red Lions‘ receiving corps ahead of the 2026 season. A college career that caught NFL attention Carter made a name for himself at both NC State […]

<p>©Joe Capra / Mustang News</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign Paul Wulff as special teams coordinator

07.04.202619:00

The Firenze Red Lions have filled the gap left by Bill Shuey’s promotion to head coach, appointing experienced veteran Paul Wulff as special teams coordinator. Wulff will also take on the role of offensive line coach, adding further depth to the Red Lions‘ coaching staff. A player turned coach with a rich background Wulff knows […]

<p>©Charlotte Murden</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign British running back Simon Olaifa

06.04.202614:51

The Firenze Red Lions have found their next import player, signing young British running back Simon Olaifa. At just 19 years old, Olaifa is one of the most exciting young talents in British American football and arrives in Florence with big ambitions for his development. A talent making his mark early Olaifa has already shown […]

<p>©Corey Perrine</p>

Bill Shuey takes over as head coach of the Firenze Red Lions

03.04.202620:22

The Firenze Red Lions are entering the 2026 season with a new head coach. Bill Shuey, who was originally appointed as special teams coordinator, defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach, has been promoted to head coach and will also serve as defensive coordinator following the departure of Bart Andrus. Andrus leaves for a once-in-a-lifetime […]

<p>©Just Shots</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign Spanish homegrown Nacho Diz

03.04.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions have found their second Spanish homegrown player, signing Nacho Diz thanks to the Spanish solidarity rule. Diz follows wide receiver Aaron David as the latest Spanish addition to the Red Lions‘ roster. A versatile young talent At just 21 years old, Diz spent the last two seasons with the Madrid Bravos, […]

<p>©Straubing Spiders</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign British offensive lineman Peter Hart

31.03.202619:00

The Firenze Red Lions have found their next roster addition, signing British offensive lineman Peter Hart ahead of the 2026 season. Hart brings a wealth of European football experience to the Red Lions‘ offensive line. A well-travelled career At just 27 years old, Hart has already played for a number of clubs across Europe. His […]

<p>©American Football League Europe</p>

American Football League Europe announces Homegrown territories for the first season

30.03.202615:00

As the American Football League Europe prepares for its first season, the league officially announces the Homegrown territories for the franchises that have confirmed participation so far. This announcement provides clarity and support for local talent development as each team builds its roster for competition. What is a Homegrown player? In the AFLE, a Homegrown […]

<p>©American Football League Europe</p>

Firenze Red Lions&#8216; homegrown territory confirmed

30.03.202613:25

The homegrown territory of the Firenze Red Lions is now officially set. The Italian club will have access to the entire country of Italy, meaning they can sign any Italian player as a homegrown signing. A strong talent pool Italy gives the Red Lions access to a deep and talented pool of players. The Italian […]

<p>©Gregg Forwerck</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign American defensive back Jakeen Harris

30.03.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions have signed their first American defensive player ahead of the 2026 season. Defensive back Jakeen Harris brings a wealth of college experience from two of the top programs in the United States. A long career in college football Harris spent five years at NC State before transferring to the University of […]

<p>©siirihphotography</p>

Finnish defensive lineman Samuel Leppänen joins the Firenze Red Lions

28.03.202612:00

The Firenze Red Lions have signed their next import player with Finnish defensive lineman Samuel Leppänen. The 23-year-old becomes the seventh addition to the Italian franchise ahead of the new season. Strong performances in Finland Leppänen most recently played for the Seinäjoki Crocodiles and the Vantaan TAFT. During his time in Finland, he impressed with […]

<p>©Kristóf Papp</p>

Hungarian defensive back Szabolcs Szöllősi joins Firenze Red Lions

26.03.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions continue to shape their roster for the 2026 season by signing young Hungarian defensive back Szabolcs Szöllősi. Young talent with international experience At just 21 years old, Szöllősi already brings valuable experience from the European stage. He most recently played for the Fehérvár Enthroners, where he lined up as a safety […]

© American Football League Europe

Firenze Red Lions and Italian Football League agree on framework for player recruitment

24.03.202617:49

The Firenze Red Lions have reached an agreement with the Italian Football League (IFL) that sets out clear and transparent rules for recruiting players from clubs affiliated with the national league. The agreement is an important step for the Red Lions as they prepare to compete in the AFLE’s inaugural season, and it reflects the […]

<p>©Kevin Reuss</p>

Matthew McKay becomes first-ever quarterback of the Firenze Red Lions

23.03.202619:00

The Firenze Red Lions have found their quarterback for the first season in franchise history by signing American quarterback Matthew McKay. The 26-year-old most recently played for the Frankfurt Galaxy, where he showed strong performances over the past two seasons. Reunion with familiar coaches McKay will reunite with several coaches from his time in Frankfurt. […]

<p>©Mattia Tragna</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign talented wide receiver Gregorio Giorgi

20.03.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions have signed their first Italian homegrown player with 19-year-old wide receiver Gregorio Giorgi. The young receiver is considered one of the most promising talents in Italian football. Rising talent in Italy Giorgi has already made a name for himself at a young age, earning a spot on the Italian U19 national […]

<p>©Corey Perrine</p>

Firenze Red Lions appoint Bill Shuey as special teams coordinator

18.03.202613:00

The Firenze Red Lions have added another experienced coach to their staff by appointing Bill Shuey as special teams coordinator. The former NFL coach joins the Italian franchise as the coaching staff continues to take shape. Shuey becomes the fourth coach on the staff alongside head coach Bart Andrus, defensive coordinator Tom Mason, and offensive […]

<p>©Leo Ziems</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign Spanish wide receiver Aaron David

16.03.202612:30

The Firenze Red Lions continue building their roster and have announced the signing of Spanish wide receiver Aaron David. David becomes the first Spanish player in the American Football League Europe to be signed under the Spanish Solidarity Rule, which allows eligible Spanish players to join teams as Homegrown players. He will therefore count as a […]

<p>©Max Rhulen</p>

Firenze Red Lions appoint Mike Mitchell as offensive coordinator

14.03.202611:00

The Firenze Red Lions have added experienced American coach Mike Mitchell to their staff as offensive coordinator. Mitchell brings decades of coaching experience from high school, college, and international football. Long coaching career Mitchell has coached at several programs throughout his career, including Humboldt State University, De Anza College, the Sandpoint Bulldogs, the Zagreb Patriots, […]

<p>©Biberach Beavers</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign Panamanian linebacker Ezra Drakes

12.03.202612:00

The Firenze Red Lions have announced their first defensive player shortly after introducing their new defensive coordinator Tom Mason. Panamanian linebacker Ezra Drakes will strengthen the Red Lions’ linebacker corps for the upcoming the American Football League Europe season. With this signing, Drakes becomes the third Panamanian player in the league, joining Rhein Fire brothers […]

<p>©SMU Athletics</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign Tom Mason as defensive coordinator

10.03.202612:00

The Firenze Red Lions continue building their staff for the upcoming 2026 the American Football League Europe season. After announcing head coach Bart Andrus and offensive lineman Abraham Chacón, the Italian franchise has now confirmed its third signing. American coach Tom Mason will join the team as defensive coordinator for the Red Lions’ debut season. […]

<p>©Chio Torres</p>

Firenze Red Lions sign I-Import Abraham Chacón as first player in franchise history

08.03.202616:00

The Firenze Red Lions continue building their organization for the upcoming 2026 season and have now signed the first player in franchise history. Mexican offensive lineman Abraham Chacón joins the Italian team as its first official roster addition. After announcing experienced coach Bart Andrus as head coach, General Manager Bart Iaccarino now begins building the […]

<p>©Klaus Sack</p>

Former NFL coach Bart Andrus becomes first head coach of the Firenze Red Lions

03.03.202612:00

The Firenze Red Lions have found their head coach for their first season. Experienced coach Bart Andrus will lead the Italian franchise as the first head coach in team history. With this signing, General Manager Bart Iaccarino quickly follows through on his plan. In a recent interview, he explained that building the coaching staff would […]

© American Football League Europe

Firenze Red Lions unveiled as Italy’s AFLE franchise

26.02.202612:00

The final lineup of the American Football League Europe continues to take shape. The Italian franchise has officially revealed its name and logo and will enter the league’s first season as the Firenze Red Lions. With this announcement, the organization marks the beginning of a new era for Italian football on the European stage. A new […]