Parma Panthers outlast Varese Skorpions in Italian Football League wild card thriller

The Parma Panthers advanced to the Italian Football League semifinals with a 41-29 victory over the Varese Skorpions at Ossola Stadium in Varese, leveraging quarterback Robbie Patterson’s four-touchdown performance and a defense that forced three critical turnovers.

Defensive and special teams spark
A tense first quarter featured exchanged field goals, with neither offense gaining traction. Parma broke through in the second quarter when Alessandro Alemanno returned an interception for a touchdown. Patterson later connected with Dominic Fiscelli for a touchdown pass, while Varese answered with Hamish MacClure’s scoring throw to Luca Tovaglieri. A failed extra point left the Panthers ahead 20-9 at halftime.

Parma’s third-quarter surge
Patterson extended the lead with two touchdown passes to Carlo Tassan, capitalizing on defensive stops. Varese responded with MacClure’s second touchdown pass to Andrea Volonnino, but another failed conversion kept the deficit at 34-15. The Panthers’ defense stifled Varese’s rushing attack, forcing repeated punts.

Late rally falls short
MacClure narrowed the gap with a third touchdown pass to Volonnino and a rushing score by Zach Marcheselli, but Parma sealed the win with Patterson’s rushing touchdown and Simone Alinovi’s game-clinching interception. The Skorpions’ comeback bid faltered due to missed conversions and turnovers.

Key contributions
Patterson (3 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD) and Tassan (2 TDs) anchored Parma’s offense, while Alemanno and Alinovi delivered critical interceptions. For the Skorpions, McClure (3 passing TDs) and Volonnino (2 TDs) showcased resilience but were hampered by red-zone inefficiency.

Next round
The Panthers advance to face the Ancona Dolphins in the semifinals. Varese’s season ends despite a valiant effort, underscoring the Panthers’ status as title contenders.