Italy: Parma Panthers edge Legnano Frogs in thriller to shake up IFL standings

The Parma Panthers (7-2) claimed a pivotal 26-25 victory over the Legnano Frogs (6-2) in a frenetic Italian Football League clash, overtaking their rivals in Group A despite a late-game scare. The win, fueled by explosive rushing and clutch conversions, kept Parma’s title hopes alive in a game defined by razor-thin margins.

Panthers pounce early behind Parnell
Running back Jayleen Parnell ignited the hosts with a 48-yard touchdown dash on the opening drive, followed by Alinovi’s two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead. The Frogs’ offense sputtered against Parma’s swarming defense until late in the second quarter, when QB Luke Zahradka found receiver Danny Kittner for a 14-yard score. A failed two-point attempt left Legnano trailing 11-6 at halftime.

Second-half seesaw battle
Zahradka and Kittner connected again early in the third quarter to give Legnano its first lead at 12-11, but Parma responded instantly. RB Dominic Fiscelli’s 55-yard breakaway set up kicker Matteo Felli’s 32-yard field goal, restoring the Panthers’ advantage. The Frogs retaliated with Zahradka’s 8-yard TD pass to Niccolo Pulsinelli and a successful PAT by Lorenzo Masini, edging ahead 19-14.

Late drama caps chaotic finish
Parma reclaimed momentum with Parnell’s second TD—a 6-yard plunge—and a gutsy two-point conversion via Stefano Tassan’s leaping catch, making it 22-19. After Zahradka’s 37-yard bomb to Nicolò Segre brought Legnano within one point (25-26) with 1:52 remaining, coach Donnini Davide opted for a high-risk two-point attempt to win. Zahradka’s pass sailed wide, allowing Parma to kneel out the clock.

Standings shakeup looms
The loss leaves Legnano needing wins in their final two games to reclaim the Group A lead. For the Panthers, the victory underscores their ground-game dominance—but questions linger after allowing so many passing yards to Zahradka.

With playoff seeding at stake, both teams face must-win scenarios in their final matchups. For now, Parma savors a triumph that could define their season—a gritty, chaotic showcase of Italian football at its most unpredictable.