The Italian Football League (IFL), Italy’s top-tier American football championship, will kick off tomorrow with plenty of new features and an exciting season ahead. Fans can enjoy free, live broadcasts of all Week 1 games on FIDAF TV, with the Game of the Week airing throughout the season in the United States on BCSN. The chase for the Italian title and championship ring begins, with the Parma Panthers looking to defend their crown.
Just a week after the NFL season wrapped up with Super Bowl LVIII and the Philadelphia Eagles crowned champions, American football fans in Italy can shift their attention to the teams and athletes hitting the field nationwide. The IFL, Italy’s “Serie A” of American football, is kicking off earlier than usual this year, returning to a 12-team format after several seasons.
Returning to the top division are the Lions Bergamo, a team with a rich history of championships in Italy. Meanwhile, the Aquile Ferrara and Pirates 1984 Albisola S. make their first-ever appearances in the league, while the Warriors Bologna secure their spot once again. The tournament format has also changed: teams are now split into two groups, playing home and away matchups for a total of 10 regular-season games per team.
Week 1 Schedule: A Weekend Packed with Action
The season begins this weekend, with all teams taking the field.
- The action kicks off on Saturday afternoon as last season’s runners-up, the Guelfi Firenze, host the debuting Pirates 1984 Albisola S. at 3:00 PM CET. The game will be attended by FIDAF’s American partners from RGP Northwestern Ohio, which remains the league’s Title Sponsor this year.
- Later that evening, at 6:00 PM CET, the Frogs Legnano will reignite the lights of Stadio Mari in Legnano, a historic venue for the team, as they face the Dolphins Ancona.
On Sunday, four matchups complete the first week:
- At 2:00 PM CET, the Rhinos Milano will take on the Warriors Bologna at Vigorelli Stadium in Milan, while at the same time in Bergamo, the Lions will make their return to the top division against the defending champions, the Panthers Parma, in what promises to be an intense “feline” derby.
- At 2:30 PM CET, the Skorpions Varese will make their home debut at Franco Ossola Stadium, testing the Aquile Ferrara in the Game of the Week.
- Meanwhile, in Beinasco (Turin), also at 2:30 PM CET, the Giaguari Torino will battle the Lazio Marines.
A Season Full of Surprises and an Exciting Road to the Italian Bowl
With months of preparation behind the scenes, anticipation is high to see how teams stack up in a league that grows more competitive each year. Italian rosters feature many new faces, but also several returning stars, with the international player market still in motion.
The ultimate goal? The prestigious Italian Bowl #44, set for June 28 at the Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio. Preparations in Toledo are well underway, with exciting surprises in store for fans.
Where to Watch
In addition to attending games in person, fans can watch all Week 1 matchups live and free on FIDAF TV, the league’s official YouTube channel. This setup ensures that IFL fans worldwide—and the families of international players—can follow the action closely.
Details on DAZN broadcasts will be announced soon.
Lastly, the IFL will continue to enjoy major exposure in the U.S., as BCSN will broadcast the Game of the Week every week.
Official Week 1 Schedule:
Saturday, February 15
- 🏈 3:00 PM CET – Guelfi Firenze vs. Pirates 1984 Albisola S.
- 🏈 6:00 PM CET – Frogs Legnano vs. Dolphins Ancona
Sunday, February 16
- 🏈 2:00 PM CET – Rhinos Milano vs. Warriors Bologna
- 🏈 2:00 PM CET – Lions Bergamo vs. Panthers Parma
- 🏈 2:30 PM CET – Skorpions Varese vs. Aquile Ferrara (Game of the Week)
- 🏈 2:30 PM CET – Giaguari Torino vs. Lazio Marines
Stay Updated
📊 Live scores and streaming links available on the federation’s GAMEDAY web app: https://gameday.fidaf.org/
📢 For more details, visit the IFL website: https://1divisione.fidaf.org/
📍 Stadium locations and full season schedule: https://www.fidaf.org/campionati/giornate.asp?id=215
Per informazioni:
Barbara Allaria
Press & Communication Officer
0331-770343 / 338-6541305
press@fidaf.org
FIDAF – Italian Federation of American Football
c/o CONI – Palazzo H – Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15 00135 Rome (RM)
+39 06 3272 3221 | ufficiostampa@fidaf.org | http://www.fidaf.org
