Italy: Albisola Pirates close season with hard-earned win over Ferrara Aquile

The Albisola Pirates (2-8) closed their Italian Football League season with a defiant 14-3 upset of the Ferrara Aquile (4-6) at their home field, snapping a five-game skid and handing the visitors a winless road record (0-5) in a gritty defensive showcase.

Defensive grind defines deadlocked first half
Both teams traded punts in a scoreless opening half, with Ferrara’s special teams standing tall through Federico Bindini’s precise kicks and hard-hitting tackles by Nicolò Capitozzo and Lorenzo Vicariotto. The Aquile’s lone breakthrough came late in the third quarter, as backup quarterback Andrea Ladisa orchestrated a methodical drive capped by Bindini’s 22-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.

Pirates pounce late, seal landmark win
Albisola answered emphatically, unleashing a physical ground game punctuated by running back Longato’s go-ahead touchdown rush. Quarterback Marco Baca Ugalde cemented the upset with a late scoring strike, sending the home crowd into delirium at 14-3. The Pirates’ defense held firm, stifling Ferrara’s final drives with relentless pressure to secure their second win.

Season reflections
The Aquile finished 4-6, their four wins all coming at Mike Wyatt Field, while Albisola’s victory marked a resilient finale for a team that battled fiercely despite a challenging season. The Pirates’ triumph underscored their growth under head coach Giuso, providing momentum ahead of 2025 offseason preparations.