Two intense and thrilling semifinals have determined the top two teams of the 2025 IFL season: on June 28 in Toledo, an unprecedented matchup will feature Guelfi Firenze and Dolphins Ancona, who defeated Frogs Legnano and Panthers Parma respectively on Saturday night.
The 2025 Italian Football League season is heading toward its grand finale, and it’s set to be a historic occasion: for the first time ever, Guelfi Firenze and Dolphins Ancona will face off in the XLIV Italian Bowl, scheduled for June 28 at the prestigious Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio (USA). Two ambitious programs, both the result of extraordinary campaigns, crown their perfect seasons with a ticket to the national championship.
The Guelfi dominated Group B with an undefeated record, led by a high-powered offense and one of the league’s most solid defenses. The Dolphins, on the other hand, closed the regular season with nine straight wins, boasting the best defense in the league and a rushing attack that made the difference in the semifinals as well. Two teams that earned their overseas journey through consistently convincing performances and a strong team identity.
Guelfi Firenze vs Frogs Legnano 35-23
In front of a big home crowd at the Guelfi Sport Center, Florence maintained their unbeaten record with a comeback victory fueled by maturity and determination. After a strong start by the Frogs—who jumped ahead 14-0 thanks to a 34-yard pass from Luke Zahradka to Niccolò Pulsinelli and a rushing touchdown by the Italian-American quarterback—Guelfi regained control of the game with poise and focus. Andrea Fimiani, the undisputed leader of the Tuscan squad throughout the season, first connected with Frankie Stola for a touchdown before halftime and then scored three rushing touchdowns himself, displaying vision, strength, and leadership while shaking off early-game mistakes.
The turning point, however, came from the defense in the third quarter: Eystin Salum, facing his former team, intercepted Zahradka and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown, igniting the crowd and completely flipping the game’s momentum. Despite the Frogs’ attempts to get back into the game—with a second TD from Pulsinelli and a 29-yard field goal by Lorenzo Gioco—the Guelfi sealed the win in the final quarter thanks to a rock-solid and disciplined defense, led by Colin Schooler and Salum, and with a standout performance from Christian Sottura. For Guelfi, this will be their fourth final appearance in four years, enriched by the opportunity to return to Toledo, where they previously lost to Panthers Parma. They head there undefeated (the only IFL team with that record), with 11 wins on the season.
Dolphins Ancona vs Panthers Parma 20-14
At Nelson Mandela Stadium in Ancona, the Dolphins rewrote their program’s history by defeating the reigning champions, Panthers Parma, a team accustomed to high-stakes games. After beating them twice already in the regular season, the Ancona team delivered a mature and confident performance, once again relying on an impeccable defense and, for the first time this season, a highly effective running game.
After falling behind in the first quarter to a rushing touchdown by Robbie Patterson, the Dolphins responded with grit: Cristiano Brancaccio powered in for a rushing touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 and holding that scoreline until the fourth quarter! A balanced game and strong defensive play on both sides kept the score unchanged until early in the final quarter, when Ancona quarterback Blake Eaton gave the Dolphins the lead with a rushing touchdown. After a brief Panthers equalizer with a touchdown reception by Patterson on a pass from Parnell, it was young Teo Flamini who restored the lead for Ancona with the third rushing TD of the evening. The Doric defense then shut the door, repelling every attempt at a comeback and giving Ancona the joy of a top-division final appearance for the first time in 21 years.
The June 28 final will be a unique and exciting clash between two teams ready to write a new chapter in Italian football history. See you in Toledo for the XLIV Italian Bowl, which will also be broadcast live on BCSN.
Photo credits: Daniele Bettazzi and Germano Capponi
