Italy: Week 10 preview – Crucial matchups as playoffs loom

| American Football | 05/14/2023

Despite there being only two games in Week 10 of the Italian Football League (IFL), three of the four teams playing are all in must-win scenarios with the playoffs just around the corner.

Legnano Frogs (3–3) @ Emilia Stainless Steel Warriors (0–5)

The Frogs may have the easiest fight ahead of them in the Warriors Emilia who have struggled since Week 1. They mysteriously sit middle of the pack in nearly every category but are yet to win a game. Quarterback Derek Green currently ranks as one of the better quarterbacks in the league in terms of yards per game and touchdowns but has had too many costly turnovers to be competitive.

The Frogs on the other hand made a strong statement last week as they managed to clinch a crucial win against the Varese Skorpions. Quarterback Eystin Salum has been one of the main contributors to the Frogs success, consistently making splash plays to get his team up.

The Frogs will likely walk away with the victory here and could leapfrog into third place if Ancona loses.

Ancona Dolphins (4–2) @ Varese Skorpions (3–3)

Similar to the Frogs, the Skorpions are also in a must-win scenario if they wish to proceed to the IFL playoffs. But unlike the Frogs, the Skorpions have gotten to their .500 record with an all-round game. They have lacked some big play ability but make up for it with very reliable domestic players such as running back Dylan Auriemma and defensive backs Matteo Kolonna and Nicolas Principi.

The Dolphins started off the season as one of the league favorites but have since cooled down significantly. Quarterback Colin Di Galbo has done an outstanding job of spreading the ball around and putting his receivers in position to make plays. Three Dolphins receivers rank seventh, eighth and ninth in the league in receptions per game and import linebacker Vincent Winey has proved to be a menace on both sides of the ball.

The odds will of course lie in the favor of the Dolphins due to their depth of roster, but if the Skorpions can limit explosive plays and have a few of their own, they may be able to sneak a victory.

Graphics: Igor Lazarevic

Daniel Mackenzie is a Press Association graduate who works in journalism and communications in the third sector. Daniel began playing football for the London Warriors and Team Great Britain and has since played across Europe.