Italy Week 9 recap: Parma Panthers beat Ancona Dolphins for 5th straight victory, Firenze, Legnano also winners

| American Football | 05/09/2023

For the second time in three weeks the Parma Panthers have downed one of the league’s top teams in convincing fashion. With this victory over the Ancona Dolphins, the Panthers have now cemented themselves as league favorites after an earlier season win over the Firenze Guelfi. 

Firenze Guelfi 53 – Verona Mastini 10

Photo: Nicola Vivian

Two weeks ago, the Guelfi lost their star import Jared Gerbino to injury. He will likely return before the playoffs, but it was a blow to the team nonetheless. Luckily for the Guelfi, Italian quarterback Andrea Fimiani returned this week to pick up where Gerbino left off against the winless Mastini.

Considering the nature of Fimiani’s injury (a broken shin bone), it was no surprise that we saw little in the way of a rushing attack from the young Italian. Instead, Fimiani shared reps and attempted just 12 passes. These 12 passes proved deadly for the Guelfi however as he totalled 158 yards and two touchdowns on his way to victory.

Young Italian running back Cosimo Casati for the Guelfi is continuing to wreck opponents as he managed to rack up 181 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. He currently sits atop the league with 681 yards and nine touchdowns.

Panthers Parma 28 – Ancona Dolphins 13

Ancona Dolphins defenders haul down Parma ball carrier Photo: Germano Capponi

Legnano Frogs 21 – Varese Skorpions 14

May be an image of 7 people, people playing football and text

In the final game of the weekend, the Frogs hosted the Skorpions in what was a game to potentially decide playoff fate. Both teams, promoted from the second division early this year, have shown why they belong in the top league. But it continues to be Frogs’ Eystin Salum’s star power that is proving the difference maker in the backend of the season.

Despite an extremely slow start with both sides playing good defense, Frogs quarterback Eystin Salum took over in the second half and terrorized the Skorpions on both the ground and through the air.

Salum’s outstanding individual effort led to 126 yards rushing and one touchdown and 176 yards passing and one touchdown. With this win, the Frogs have now propelled themselves to joint third in the rankings.

Daniel Mackenzie is a Press Association graduate who works in journalism and communications in the third sector. Daniel began playing football for the London Warriors and Team Great Britain and has since played across Europe.