Two weeks left in the regular season: confirmations, surprises and offensive breakdowns tighten the playoff picture.
The twelfth week of the Italian Football League confirmed the strength of the Guelfi Firenze—still the league’s only unbeaten team—as well as the solid form of the Dolphins Ancona and Frogs Legnano. The Skorpions Varese also continued their positive momentum, consolidating second place in Group B. With two rounds remaining before the end of the regular season, the race for the remaining playoff spots and the relegation playout is still very much alive.
Guelfi Firenze vs Aquile Ferrara 26-6
At the Guelfi Sport Center, the home team secured their ninth consecutive win in a game that turned out to be more competitive than expected. Missing several offensive line starters, Firenze struggled to find rhythm through the first three quarters. However, their defense held strong against a determined Ferrara. The Guelfi finally pulled away in the fourth quarter, as quarterback Fimiani led the charge with a rushing touchdown and a passing TD to Mibelli, adding to his two earlier scoring passes to Salum. Ferrara had briefly tied the game in the second quarter with a touchdown pass from Ceesay to Pasquotto but failed to score again, drastically reducing their playoff hopes. Despite a less dominant performance than usual, Firenze remains firmly atop Group B and continues its quest for a perfect regular season.
Skorpions Varese vs Pirates 1984 Albisola Superiore 42-0
A dominant victory for the Skorpions at home, who showcased their full offensive potential against a struggling Pirates squad. The game was effectively over by the third quarter thanks to an outstanding performance by quarterback Hamish McClure, who threw six touchdown passes: three to Zanovello, and one each to Piazzi, Rai, and Volonnino. A flawless defensive effort and solid game management in the final period sealed a perfect afternoon for Varese.The Pirates, still suffering from a depleted roster, were unable to mount any resistance and suffered yet another heavy loss in what has been a challenging debut season. Varese remains second in Group B and continues to push for a strong finish.
Rhinos Milano vs Frogs Legnano 0-46
With their starting quarterback sidelined, the Rhinos were overwhelmed by the Frogs from the opening kickoff. Legnano took control of the game early, allowing backup players to gain valuable minutes. Quarterback duties were shared between Zahradka and young prospect Zerbo, without any drop in efficiency. The Frogs found the end zone seven times, with touchdowns from Kittner (2), Almeyda, Pulsinelli (2), Di Biase, and Zahradka. The silver-and-black defense shut out the Rhinos completely, asserting dominance on both sides of the ball. The Frogs strengthen their playoff seeding and remain in contention for the top spot in Group A, while Milano continues a difficult season with another missed opportunity.
Lions Bergamo vs Dolphins Ancona 0-31
The Dolphins secured a convincing win on the road to maintain their lead in Group A, aided by a key moment early in the game: the ejection of American quarterback Butterfield for unsportsmanlike conduct, a blow that further complicates the Lions’ immediate future. Ancona opened the game with two interceptions on Bergamo’s first two drives and capitalized with touchdown passes from Eaton to Dazzani and Terhark. Terhark scored again in the second quarter, while Aldrighetti’s impressive kickoff return was nullified by Butterfield’s penalty. Before halftime, Nocera added a rushing touchdown, and Dazzani closed out the scoring with a third-quarter field goal. Still winless, the Lions now face a must-win matchup against the Warriors Bologna to avoid relegation playoffs.
🏆 Standings after Week 12:
GROUP A
- Dolphins Ancona (7-1)
- Frogs Legnano (7-2)
- Panthers Parma (7-2)
- Rhinos Milano (3-6)
- Warriors Bologna (1-6)
- Lions Bergamo (0-8)
GROUP B
- Guelfi Firenze (9-0)
- Skorpions Varese (5-4)
- Giaguari Torino (4-4)
- Marines Lazio (3-5)
- Aquile Ferrara (3-5)
- Pirates Albisola (1-7)
📌 Full standings, schedules, and insights: 1divisione.fidaf.org
📸 Photo credits: @Germano Capponi
