Rome, March 9, 2025
Dominant defenses, spectacular comebacks, and a thrilling overtime finish: Week 4 of the IFL delivered endless excitement. The Guelfi solidified their lead, the Dolphins overtook the Rhinos, and the Pirates celebrated their first historic victory in the top division.
The fourth week of the Italian Football League (IFL) featured intense matchups, strong defensive performances, and unexpected twists until the final moments of play. Between decisive victories and thrilling comebacks, here’s a detailed recap of Week 4.
Rhinos Milano vs Dolphins Ancona 9-28
A much closer game than the score suggests, at least for three quarters, with defenses taking center stage. Milan struggled significantly on offense, unable to find gaps in Ancona’s solid defense, which dominated both the run and the pass. The Dolphins started with precision and discipline, securing a two-score lead in the first quarter thanks to two TD passes from Blake Eaton to Tyler Terhark and Teo Flamini, with Matteo Dazzani converting both (14-0). In the second half, the Rhinos attempted a comeback with a 70-yard pick-six by Marco Olivas, but a missed conversion hindered their efforts. A field goal by Giacomo Serra narrowed the gap, but Ancona regained momentum at the crucial moment: two more TD passes from Eaton to Dazzani sealed the game at 28-9. With this victory, the Dolphins move ahead of the Rhinos in Group A standings.
Aquile Ferrara vs Guelfi Firenze 30-47
After a scoreless first quarter, the game came to life in the second period with a TD pass from Andrea Fimiani to Frankie Stola, followed by a punt return touchdown by Stola himself (Francesco Camorani converted both for a 14-0 lead). The Aquile responded with a stunning catch by One Williams on a pass from Aaron Allen, followed by a two-point conversion after a defensive penalty (14-8). The Guelfi, however, picked up the pace and struck twice before halftime, with Fimiani finding Mibelli and Stola again in the end zone. Camorani remained perfect, and the scoreboard read 28-8. In the second half, Florence continued to dominate with touchdowns from Cosimo Casati and Fimiani on a run, extending the lead to 41-8. With the game nearly decided, the Aquile closed the gap with three TD passes from Allen to Leonardo Pasquotto, Pietro Fabro, and Williams, while the Guelfi sealed the win with a Eystin Salum pass to Nicolò Formosa. Florence remains unbeaten at the top of Group B.
Pirates Albisola vs Marines Lazio 24-17
After a tough debut loss and two bye weeks, the Pirates returned to the field for their first-ever home game and secured their first IFL victory in a hard-fought contest decided in overtime. In the first half, defenses dominated, with both teams scoring only via field goals. In the second half, the Pirates took the lead with a one-yard run by Lawrence Dalla Betta, converted by Stefano Raffaelli. The Marines responded immediately as Josiah Norwood connected with Michele Costa for a touchdown, with Jacopo Impallomeni converting. Early in the fourth quarter, the Marines pulled ahead again with another Norwood TD pass to Zane Thornton. But the Pirates refused to back down, tying the game with a Dalla Betta run with two minutes left, sending the match into overtime. The Marines failed to score on their offensive drive, while the Pirates clinched victory with a Jordi Macial Baidal TD pass to Matteo Fusetti, followed by Raffaelli’s successful conversion—marking a historic first win for the Ligurian franchise in the IFL.
Giaguari Torino vs Skorpions Varese 31-7
Both offenses started cautiously, but the Giaguari broke the deadlock with a spectacular punt return: Tavion McCarthy dashed 70 yards for the game’s first TD, with Jacopo Salsa converting (7-0). In the second quarter, Varese equalized with a QB Hamish McClure rushing touchdown and a Stefano Granelli conversion, but before halftime, Torino regained the lead with a 40-yard TD pass from Evan Lewandoski to McCarthy, who secured his second score of the game. In the second half, the Giaguari’s defense shut down the Skorpions, while the offense managed the game and extended the lead with a Giovanni La Rocca rushing TD, a Salsa field goal, and another Tommaso Tenconi rushing touchdown. The Giaguari now hold second place in Group B, trailing only the Guelfi Firenze.
Results, insights, and standings: https://1divisione.fidaf.org/
Per informazioni:
Barbara Allaria
Press & Communication Officer
0331-770343 / 338-6541305
press@fidaf.org
FIDAF – Italian Federation of American Football
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