Five-time continental champion Finland edged Italy 9-8 at the Grotenburg Stadion in torrential rain in Krefeld to advance to the IFAF European Championships Final Four championship game where they will face defending champion Austria on Tuesday, kickoff 1pm CET, live on IFAF.TV.

The Final Four title game will be a repeat of the 2023 final when Austria emerged as 28-0 winners. Italy will face Germany on Tuesday for the bronze medal.

“It was a stunning battle victory,” said Finland head coach Mikko Koikkalainen. “The defense had an absolutely insane game. We were strong on offense in the first half, executing what we had practiced.

“The weather in the second half was so brutal that normal offensive play was impossible. The team adapted brilliantly to what was needed to win. No style points were awarded today.”

Running back Tuukka Lehtonen scored Finland’s touchdown and kicker Anssi Ruohonen split the uprights with a field goal.

Italy defensive back Fabrizio Umetelli and a safety kept Italy within a point of the Finns whose Elmeri Laalo and Felix Salonen picked off interceptions.

“Our opponent had a great game plan, and we have tremendous respect for how they played,” said Italy head coach Brian Michitti. “I’m proud of how our team kept fighting until the end. We’ve turned the page, we’ll learn from it, and we’ll get better. On to the next one.”

Italy will face Germany at 1pm on Tuesday for the bronze medal.