On Saturday, March 2, the Week 1 match between Legnano Frogs and Ancona Dolphins will take place at Velodrome Vigorelli in Milan. This first match will be an opportunity for both teams to kick off their season and assess their strengths in a magnificent stadium. Last season, the same opening match offered a one-sided affair, with the Dolphins securing a crushing 40-6 victory against the promoted Frogs, who were finding their footing. Let's see how this match shapes up in a new season that promises to be more competitive than ever.
Dolphins in constant progression
The Dolphins are considered a TOP 3 team (behind 1-Panthers and 2-Guelfi) in the league according to the pre-season power ranking produced by FIDAF. Indeed, this team has been one of the best in the league for the past two-thirds of a year. Last season, they fell short in the semi-final against the Guelfi (42-21 score) after an almost perfect season (6-2 record).
The Dolphins have a strong team, building on continuity by signing quarterback Colin Digalbo for the fourth consecutive season. He had an incredible season last year with 1,703 yards and 21 touchdown passes in 8 games. They have also signed safety Bo Sanders, an American import from Elon University (NCAA D1), and a last-minute second American import, Julian Wlodarczyk, a linebacker from North Dakota State (NCAA D1). With several Italian international players, a solid receiving squad, and an experienced team that knows each other well, the Dolphins are waiting for their moment to reach the finals or, better yet, the title of Italian champion.
Frogs that must confirm after an encouraging season
The Frogs were the surprise of last season, promoted from Division 2 after the Seamen moved to ELF. The Legnano team had a very successful season (3-5), winning against the Rhinos, the Skorpions, and the Mastini. They narrowly missed the playoffs due to their quarterback's shoulder injury in a crucial match against Roma Lazio and a forfeit against Bologna, following the rescheduling of a game due to weather conditions.
The Frogs are led by the spectacular quarterback Eystin Salum, a dual-threat quarterback with an incredible season last year, accumulating 591 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns and 954 yards and 5 passing touchdowns in 7 games. Salum delighted us last year with his spectacular runs and jumps, unafraid of contact and skillful in alternating between passing and running plays, despite their Offensive Line often being under pressure due to numerous injuries to their starters.
For this new season, the Frogs have strengthened their offense, starting with their new American import, Damon Sheehy-Giuseppi, a receiver who played for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL, a crucial addition that, combined with Eystin Salum's game vision, will undoubtedly trouble opposing defenses. The receiving squad will be complemented by Carlo Tassan, a receiver from the NFL Academy and the Milano Seamen. Several players from the Seamen have joined the Black and Silver adventure, including defensive backs Ali Saad and Tommaso Calegari, Offensive Lineman Marco Colombo, and Defensive Lineman Massimiliano Cipolla. They are determined to show the same face this year and secure a playoff spot.
Dolphins are Favorites, Frogs on the hunt
The Dolphins remain the logical favorites for this first match, with their experience and previous seasons placing them as potential IFL champions. Against them, the reinforced Frogs, armed with collective experience, will try to spring a surprise. After an encouraging first season, growing confidence, and new players, they can pose problems for the Dolphins. This match will undoubtedly be contested, with expectations of many points, spectacle, and home support boosting the Frogs.
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