Milan American Football Company is leading a merger between the Milano Seamen and the Milano Rhinos to form a single unified American football franchise in Milan, Italy, according to initial reports from Italian sports media. The restructuring aims to establish a competitive force in the Italian Football League (IFL) by the 2027 season, combining two historic clubs that have each secured five Italian championships.
The Merger of Milano Seamen and Milano Rhinos
The consolidation brings together two of the most storied names in Italian gridiron history. According to sports reporting from outlets covering the merger, the new organization will absorb the player rosters, youth divisions, and flag football programs of both the Seamen and the Rhinos. Club presidents Alessio D’Ascenzo of the Rhinos and Marco Mutti of the Seamen have backed the operational shift, which organizers attribute to the necessity of pooling resources to elevate the sport’s profile in northern Italy to levels not seen since the 1980s.
While long-time supporters of both franchises face the end of the traditional team identities, management asserts that modernizing the sport’s local structure requires bold consolidation. The newly formed entity, widely projected in local sports coverage to compete under a moniker such as the Milano Giants, will take its place in the top-tier Italian Football League.
Leadership and American Football League Connections
The project is spearheaded by Justin Pugh, an 11-year NFL veteran and former offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants, who also serves as the commissioner of the Italian Football League, as reported by Italian sports sources. Pugh’s Milano American Football Company is directing the acquisition and integration process.
On the athletic side, Harrison Green—co-founder of the Milano American Football company and a former college football coach—will oversee sports operations. According to project planners, the franchise intends to establish a clear pathway from youth divisions to competitive play, offering Italian athletes direct exposure to collegiate opportunities in North America.
Timeline and Competitive Outlook for 2027
The unified club is scheduled to complete its foundational setup ahead of a full competitive push for the Italian championship in 2027. Home fixtures are expected to draw crowds to the historic Velodromo Vigorelli in Milan.