LIVESTREAM Italy PPV: Ancona Dolphins @ Parma Panthers, May 18, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 9 am ET)

| American Football | 05/18/2025

The Parma Panthers (7-2) and Ancona Dolphins (7-1) collide at Stadio Lanfranchi on Sunday in a winner-takes-all regular-season finale, with playoff seeding and potential championship implications on the line. Ancona, who edged Parma 24-21 in their Week 5 thriller, can clinch the group’s top seed with a win or a loss by ≤3 points. A Parma victory by 4-6 points would vault them to second, pushing Ancona to third, while a 7+ point Panthers win secures first.

Championship stakes
Both teams finish 8-2 if Parma wins and the Dolphins win their final game against the lowly Bologna Warriors, triggering the league’s tiebreaker system. Ancona’s head-to-head advantage and a +1 differential over the Legnano Frogs (via a 7-0 Week 10 win) complicate scenarios, but a loss risks dropping them out of contention for the Italian Bowl’s top seed. Parma, trailing Milano in tiebreakers, must win decisively to control their fate.

Watch live PPV. Ancona Dolphins @ Parma Panthers, May 18, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 9 am ET)

Injury-riddled dolphins
Ancona faces adversity with veteran linebacker Stefano Chiappini (torn muscle) sidelined and defensive tackles Elia Viviani and Michele Luciani nursing injuries. Linebacker Teo Flamini’s status remains doubtful, testing their depth.

Panthers’ redemption bid
Parma seeks revenge for their narrow Week 1 loss, leaning on home-field momentum. Their defense, which held Ancona to 24 points (their third-lowest 2024 output), must contain dual-threat quarterback play and force red-zone stops. Offensive consistency, particularly in clutch moments, will decide whether they exploit Ancona’s depleted front.

Tactical déjà vu
Ancona won the only meeting between this two rivals 25-24 and this year’s first meeting hinged on a single fourth-quarter drive. The Dolphins’ defense, despite injuries, allowed just 21 points in that game, while Parma’s ground game mustered 140 rushing yards. With both teams prioritizing ball control and minimizing errors, Sunday’s rematch promises another chess match.

A Parma win reshapes the playoff landscape, while Ancona aims to cement their title credentials. For Italian football fans, Stadio Lanfranchi becomes the stage for a legacy-defining battle.

Watch live PPV. Ancona Dolphins @ Parma Panthers, May 18, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 9 am ET)

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