The Italian Football League (IFL) kicked off the first weekend of play with a bang.
The newly branded IFL saw six teams battle it out to claim their first win of the season. Two games were decided by only one score while the third was a complete blowout.
The IFL is the new name for the top league in Italy and along with it has come a brand-new partnership with Buckeye Cable System to up the production level offered to viewers.
First on the schedule this week was 2021 Italian Bowl champions, the Parma Panthers and semifinalists Firenze Guelfi who faced each other opening day, March 5. Both teams were neck and neck in the first half with only one score a side in the first half. But in the second half the scoring began to roll on with both teams finding their unique offensive rhythm.
Ancona Dolphins #4 Zac Quattrone Photo: Germano Capponi
The score was tied up at 21 a piece until the final seconds of the game where Parma were able to kick a 44-yard field goal with only 40 seconds left on the clock.
Despite Parma’s win, Guelfi will feel confident in their performance as they appear to have significantly upgraded from last year with three great imports and a more stable offense.
The Panthers on the other hand will feel they need to address a few concerns as the passing game looked a long way from what QB Reilly Hennessey offered the team last year, forcing them to lean more on wildcat QB Nick Diaco.
The next two games were the following day starting with a blowout as the Milano Seamen trounced the Lazio Ducks 38 – 0, followed by a close game in Ancona as the Dolphins managed to fend off the Bolognia Warriors 20 – 14.
One of the most impressive performances was certainly from the Seamen who have secured some key players – both domestic and international – and tightened up on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
This coming weekend will see the two Italian powerhouses, and the 2021 finalists, the Panthers and Seamen, battle it out in what will be a redemption game for Milano who look to be league favorites already.