Ancona Dolphins dethrone Parma Panthers in historic Italian semifinal clash
The Ancona Dolphins toppled the reigning champion Parma Panthers 20-14 at Nelson Mandela Stadium, securing their first Italian Bowl berth in 21 years behind a dominant rushing attack and a clutch defensive stand in the IFL semifinal.
Defense and ground game fuel Dolphins’ rise
Trailing 7-0 after Panthers running back Robbie Patterson’s first-quarter touchdown, the Dolphins leaned on their revitalized rushing attack. Cristiano Brancaccio’s powerful scoring run tied the game, while quarterback Blake Eaton’s fourth-quarter scramble and rookie Teo Flamini’s decisive TD sealed the comeback. Ancona’s defense stifled Parma’s final drive, preserving the lead without surrendering a score after Flamini’s go-ahead touchdown.
Panthers’ resilience meets defensive wall
Parma clawed back after Eaton’s go-ahead score, with Patterson hauling in a touchdown pass from Jayleen Parnell to tie the game at 14-14. Flamini’s swift response and Ancona’s defensive stand — including two critical incompletions in the red zone — extinguished the Panthers’ final drive.
Historic final awaits
The Dolphins’ victory snaps a 21-year championship game drought and avenges three previous semifinal losses to Parma since 2020. Their defense now prepares for an unprecedented Italian Bowl against Firenze Guelfi on June 28 in Toledo.
Key Stats:
- Rushing TDs: Dolphins 3 (Brancaccio, Eaton, Flamini), Panthers 1 (Patterson)
- Patterson: 2 TDs (1 rush, 1 rec)
Parma’s quest for a fourth straight title ends abruptly, while Ancona’s blend of youthful energy and defensive grit positions them as a compelling underdog in the XLIV Italian Bowl.
