Graphic: Dante Bustos
The Italian Football League enters a transformative 2026 season, transitioning to a franchise-operated model following the sudden withdrawal of the Varese Skorpions from the league. This structural overhaul aims to stabilize and professionalize the league as defending champions, the Firenze Guelfi, look to repeat its dominant 10–0 campaign, while challengers like the Ancona Dolphins, Legnano Frogs, and reloaded Parma Panthers aim to dethrone the kings in this new era of Italian football.
Firenze Guelfi – 2025 record 10-0 – Italian champions
The defending champions were nearly untouchable last year, averaging 50 points per game and capping their perfect season with a 49–14 rout of Ancona in the Italian Bowl. Already stacked on both sides of the ball, they’ve added linebacker Jaren Banks, the leading tackler in the German Football League last season, signaling they have no intention of slowing down.
Ancona Dolphins – 2025 record 9-1 – Italian runners up
Ancona boasted the league’s top defense in 2025, allowing just 9.4 points per game. Their only loss came in a tight 20–14 battle with Legnano, and they’ll look to ride that stifling defense back to the title game after falling short in last year’s final.
Legnano Frogs – 2025 record 8-2 – Semifinalists
They gave Firenze their toughest test of the entire season in a narrow 35–28 semifinal loss and have replaced national team quarterback Luke Zahradka with the addition of Josh Taylor, making them a serious threat to challenge for the championship again this season.
Parma Panthers – 2025 record 7-3 – Semifinalists
After three losses to Ancona last year, they’ve signed record-setting college quarterback Roman Fuller to lead a revamped offense and help them take the next step toward title contention.
Torino Giaguari – 2025 record 5-5 – Wild Card
They started hot at 4–0 before fading late, but the arrival of former Division III All-American running back Ethan Greenfield should provide a major offensive boost as they aim for greater consistency.
Milano Rhinos – 2025 record 4-6 – Finished 4th in Group A
Could be this year’s dark horse after adding Austrian all-star linebacker Nikolas Knoblauch and Duquesne quarterback Darius Perrantes to elevate both sides of the ball.
Ferrara Aquile – 2025 record 4-6 – Finished 4th in Group B
Improved down the stretch last year and added quarterback Ryan Kraft and safety Zach Wright to solidify both sides of the ball as they push for playoff positioning.
Lazio Marines – 2025 record 3-7 – finished 5th in Group B
Showed late progress and hope new quarterback Seth Morgan (2,382 yards, 22 TDs at New Hampshire) can spark the offense and help them climb the standings.
Bologna Warriors – 2025 record 2-8 – Finished 5th in Group A
Face another uphill climb after winning only against winless Bergamo last season, though their upgraded home stadium offers a brighter backdrop for the rebuild.
With elite teams loading up for another title run and middle-tier clubs making serious upgrades, the Italian Football League is poised for another exciting, competitive season. Can anyone finally knock off Firenze, or will the Guelfi continue their reign?
