In a commanding performance, the Firenze Guelfi (5-0) defeated the Ancona Dolphins (3-3) 51-17, reaffirming their dominance in the Italian Football League. This matchup was a rematch of the 2025 Italian Bowl, but the Dolphins faced significant challenges with eight starters absent, including key players on both sides of the ball.
Competitive first quarter
Despite their injuries, the Dolphins came out strong in the first quarter, matching the Guelfi step for step. Firenze struck first with a touchdown pass from Andrea Fimiani to Giacomo Mibelli, followed by an extra point from Cosimo Camilli. However, Ancona quickly responded with a touchdown from Cameren Grodhaus to Federico Orlandini, leveling the score after a successful conversion by Matteo Dazzani. The Guelfi regained the lead with another touchdown from Fimiani to Frankie Stola, but the Dolphins answered back again, tying the game at 14-14.
Firenze pulls away
The second quarter saw the depth of the Guelfi roster shine through. Their defense tightened up, and the offense began to click. Fimiani connected with Eystin Salum for a touchdown, followed by a rushing touchdown from Fimiani himself. Salum then launched a deep pass to Mibelli, extending the lead to 35-14 by halftime.
In the second half, Firenze continued to control the game, adding more points through the Salum-Mibelli connection and another touchdown pass from Fimiani to Stola. Ancona managed to score a field goal from Dazzani but struggled to keep pace.
The Guelfi extended their winning streak to 17 games, while the Dolphins showed resilience, managing to compete for a quarter against the league’s top team despite their significant absences.