The undefeated Parma Panthers (3-0) will host the Ancona Dolphins (2-1) in this top-of-the-standings matchup in Italy’s Division 1.
This game could easily be a playoff preview as the Panthers and Dolphins have shown the ability to win on a consistent week to week basis during the fast paced Italian season.
The Ancona Dolphins go into this week’s game after suffering their first loss of the season, a disappointing 31-0 shutout at the hands of the Milano Seamen. During a torrential downpour, the Dolphins couldn’t match the Seamen’s ground game. The shutout was quite uncharacteristic as quarterback Collin Digalbo and the Dolphins have been putting up big numbers this year, averaging over 30 points a game prior to last week. Digalbo has been one of the league’s best playmakers with eight total touchdowns this season. The young quarterback and the Dolphins will need to bounce back and find the endzone if they want to beat an undefeated Panthers squad.
Ancona Dolphins @ Parma Panthers, May 9, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10:00 am ET)
Digalbo on the sense of urgency against Parma:
Unfortunately last week’s fight against the Seaman didn’t turn out the way we wanted too, especially on the offensive side not being able to get anything going. Heading into this weeks matchup against the Panthers, they’ve been a great team so far. We’re looking to get things rolling fast and build off the momentum we gather throughout the game and play our hardest down to the last second of the clock.
Defensively, look for defender Kristian Giardinieri to continue playing well. He is currently the league’s leading tacklers offering Dolphins coaches a sure tackler on a defense that has at times been dominant this season. In the middle of the Anonca defense expect Swedish linebacker Hugo Dyrendahl to continue making an impact. So far, the Swedish import has three interceptions and 14 tackles during the short season.
For Parma, this season’s success has been a long time coming as American quarterback Reilly Hennessy has stayed with the talented Panthers squad since 2019. Hennessey and the Panthers last game was a 41-34 overtime win against a well-coached Firenze Guelfi team. In that game, Hennessy was able to connect with weapons Simone Alinovi and Nick Diaco often as the trio combined for 199 yards and three touchdowns in the win. This week, the Panthers scorching offense will be facing an experienced Ancona defensive unit.
Hennessy knows that this will require a full team effort:
It’s gonna take everyone doing their job on every play. Playing for 48 minutes and being more physical than a very physical and sure tackling Ancona team.
Defensively, the Panthers feature one of the league’s best defenders in linebacker Asantay Brown. Brown is a former Western Michigan University linebacker who spent time with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles before playing in the XFL. Since arriving in Italy, Brown has had a knack for forcing fumbles and making bone crushing hits.
It will be fascinating to watch the mental game within a game between Brown and Dolphins quarterback Digalbo who both will be audibling at the line in order to outmaneuver each other.
This game has all the makings of a another classic as these two teams have shown that they have the talent for a deep playoff run.
Watch the game live here. Ancona Dolphins @ Parma Panthers, May 9, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10:00 am ET)
Parma Panthers roster (Click to enlarge)
Ancona Dolphins roster (Click to enlarge)
