Torino Giaguari overpower Ferrara Aquile to reach IFL semifinals
The Torino Giaguari left little doubt in Borgaretto that their regular-season form had traveled into the postseason.
Facing a Ferrara Aquile team that had squeezed into the playoffs with late-season momentum, Torino turned the opening wild card into a first-half statement, building a 35-7 halftime lead and cruising to a 42-10 victory. The win sends the Giaguari into the Italian Football League semifinals, where they will face the Parma Panthers.
The game turned almost immediately. Ethan Greenfield, the engine of the Torino offense all season, opened the scoring with a six-yard touchdown run and Jacopo Salsa added the extra point. Before Ferrara could settle in, the Aquile fumbled the ensuing kickoff return, giving Torino a short field. Quarterback Riccardo Duranti punished the mistake, finding Cameron Colangelo for a two-yard touchdown and a quick 14-0 lead.
Aquile briefly answer
Ferrara briefly answered in the second quarter when Zack Wright connected with Tommaso Pozzebon for a 23-yard touchdown, with Paparo adding the kick to cut the gap to 21-7. But the response only slowed Torino for a moment.
Tommaso Tenconi scored on a seven-yard run, Duranti broke free for a 32-yard rushing touchdown, and Greenfield added a five-yard scoring run before halftime. With Salsa perfect on extra points, the Giaguari went into the break leading by four touchdowns.
Torino controls the second half
The second half was more about control than fireworks. Ferrara put together its best sustained sequence in the third quarter, reaching the red zone before settling for a 38-yard Barbaro field goal. Torino’s defense never allowed the Aquile to turn that push into real pressure.
Duranti then closed the scoring in the fourth quarter, finding Luciano Giuliani for an eight-yard touchdown. Salsa’s sixth extra point made it 42-10 and completed a nearly ideal wild card performance for Torino.
The Giaguari now move on with their identity fully intact: Greenfield gave them power, Duranti gave them balance, and the defense forced Ferrara to chase the game from the opening minutes. Against the Parma Panthers, the margin for error will be much smaller, but Torino could hardly have scripted a cleaner playoff opener.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
Torino Giaguari – Ethan Greenfield 6-yard run; Jacopo Salsa kick good. Torino Giaguari 7, Ferrara Aquile 0
Torino Giaguari – Cameron Colangelo 2-yard pass from Riccardo Duranti; Salsa kick good. Torino Giaguari 14, Ferrara Aquile 0
2nd Quarter
Torino Giaguari – Tommaso Tenconi 7-yard run; Salsa kick good. Torino Giaguari 21, Ferrara Aquile 0
Ferrara Aquile – Tommaso Pozzebon 23-yard pass from Zack Wright; Paparo kick good. Torino Giaguari 21, Ferrara Aquile 7
Torino Giaguari – Riccardo Duranti 32-yard run; Salsa kick good. Torino Giaguari 28, Ferrara Aquile 7
Torino Giaguari – Ethan Greenfield 5-yard run; Salsa kick good. Torino Giaguari 35, Ferrara Aquile 7
3rd Quarter
Ferrara Aquile – Barbaro 38-yard field goal. Torino Giaguari 35, Ferrara Aquile 10
4th Quarter
Torino Giaguari – Luciano Giuliani 8-yard pass from Riccardo Duranti; Salsa kick good. Torino Giaguari 42, Ferrara Aquile 10
Final: Torino Giaguari 42, Ferrara Aquile 10
