Finland’s U19 team secured an impressive victory over Italy in their opening game of the European Championship group stage on Saturday. The final score in Myyrmäki was 37-16 (30-2).

Finland’s U19 American football youth defeated Italy in their group stage opener of the European Championships, held in Vantaa’s Myyrmäki on Saturday. After a dominant performance, the home team took a commanding 30-2 lead by halftime, allowing them to rotate players in the second half. At its peak, Finland led the game 37-2 before Italy’s defense began a late comeback.

Quarterback Elias Haapamäki threw four touchdowns, amassing 179 yards through the air.

Finland’s defense put on an outstanding performance, not allowing the Italian offense to score a single point. Italy’s entire 16 points came from defensive plays, including two interceptions and a safety.

The game’s MVP was wide receiver Artturi Tähkäpää, who scored two touchdowns and added a two-point conversion.

Finland’s Scorers:

• Artturi Tähkäpää 14
• Rene Rautiainen 6
• Aleksi Hirvonen 6
• Oskari Suoniemi 6
• Linus Sahlsten 3
• Sebastian Ahonen 2

Top Defensive Players:

• Sebastian Ahonen, Matias Lehtiö, Ukko Pakkanen 5 tackles
• Eero Häkkinen 2 interceptions, Lauri Saastamoinen 1 interception

November 10th Game for a Medal Spot

Finland’s U19 team will continue their campaign on November 10, 2024, in an away game hosted by France in Lille, northern France. Both Finland and France have defeated Italy in their opening matches, meaning the winner of the November game will advance to the 2025 medal round, securing a top-three spot in Europe. A victory against France would guarantee Finland a European Championship medal.

It was also revealed on Saturday that Sweden won Group B of the U19 European Championships, pulling off a surprising 22-23 away win against Germany. Sweden will move on to the 2025 medal round, where they will face defending champions Austria and the winner of the November France-Finland match.

Explore:

• Game Statistics

Photo:  Jari Turunen