Firenze remain atop the Italian Football League standings but the playoff race is tightening up

As the Italian Football League season approaches its final stretch, the Firenze Guelfi remain in an unassailable first place at 5-0, showcasing dominant performances in every game.

The Legnano Frogs follow the league leaders at 5-1, but face a crucial matchup against Firenze this weekend. The Parma Panthers (4-1) and Torino Giaguari (4-3) are also in contention but with the playoffs opening with the wild card round, featuring #3 facing #6 and #4 playing #5, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion.

Firenze Guelfi – 5-0

The Guelfi have been a juggernaut boasting the top offense and defense in the IFL. They have won five straight  in which they have averaged 48 points a game while they have surrendered an average of just 16.6 points a game.

Legnano Frogs – 5-1

Apart from a 21-14 loss to the Ancona Dolphins two weeks ago, the Frogs have been perfect although not dominating. The true test comes this weekend against Firenze.

Parma Panthers – 4-1

The Panthers have looked solid but not spectacular. Although their only loss has been against the Guelfi and they scored more points on the league leaders than any other team this season, they struggled to get past the winless and last place Rhinos.

Torino Giaguari – 4-3

The Giaguari have at times looked impressive this season but a two-game losing skid has positioned them in a precarious spot in terms of the post season with only one game left on their schedule against the Panthers.

Ancona Dolphins – 3-3

Ancona opened the season with two straight losses but then went on a three-game winning streak before being brought down to earth by the Guelfi 51-17 two weeks ago. With two games left on their schedule, they are battling for playoff positioning and home field in the wild card round.

Ferrara Aquile – 2-4

Losers of four in a row after opening the season with two straight wins, the Aquile still have a mathematical chance to make the playoffs. However, they need to beat both the Dolphins and the Rhinos to have a chance.

Lazio Marines – 2-4

Although the Marines have won their last two after opening the season with four consecutive losses, they face Firenze on the road this weekend before winding up against Parma. Their chances of reaching the post season are virtually nil unless they pull off the upset of the season.

Bologna Warriors – 1-4

The Warriors knocked off the Milano Rhinos two weeks ago 56-42 to pull themselves out of the basement but they now face Parma and Firenze to wind up the season. They will likely have to settle with one win.

Milano Rhinos – 0-6

Milano have been the mystery of the season after coming within two points (58-56) of knocking off the Parma Panthers to open the season. It has been downhill since then however with an upset loss to Bologna to top it off. They still have a chance to climb out of the cellar however with games against the Dolphins and Aquile but it won’t be easy.