IFL Teams Get Their Grades!
- Pasquale Basile
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
With the IFL having wrapped up its 2026 season about a month ago — featuring the Guelfi Firenze victory over the Panthers Parma in Ferrara—the final bell has rung, and it is time to grade the teams in the top league.
This article reviews the season for the nine teams competing in the First Division of Italian Football.
Which teams made the grade, which ones have work to do before the new term, and which ones failed?
Guelfi Firenze: A
The Italian Football League’s model team certainly deserved nothing less than this high grade, given their performance throughout the season—both in Italy and across Europe.
They achieved ten wins out of ten in the IFL and played a hard-fought European semifinal against one of the continent's powerhouses, the Thonon Black Panthers. It was a year that culminated in their second consecutive "perfect season."
As we await the offseason developments, one wonders: who can stop the Guelfi?
Panthers Parma: A-
A controversial moment altered the course of the season for the Panthers, who were ultimately unable to overcome their opponents in the Ferrara final, despite an otherwise strong campaign.
The Emilian squad was looking to redeem itself after the previous year's premature exit, and they succeeded in that mission, outperforming their direct rivals during the regular season.
Since 2021—when the IFL returned to action following the pandemic—the black-and-silver team has reached four finals, winning three of them. Will this trend continue next year?
Giaguari Torino: A-
The Giaguari were among the teams that showed the most improvement compared to the previous season. They relied on an Italian quarterback—a rarity in a league where teams typically look overseas for playmakers—as well as a renowned running back and a wealth of local talent on both offense and defense.
Torino remained a title contender right up to the end, but an overtime loss to Parma in the semifinals dashed the Piedmontese side's dreams.
Will the Giaguari have what it takes to win the championship title next year?
Dolphins Ancona: B-
Injuries hampered the progress of a team that was coming off an Italian Bowl appearance and looking to prove its staying power.
Cameren Grodhaus, alongside a group of established players, managed to turn things around for a team that had started the season with two losses—effectively wasting a quarter of the campaign—yet found its footing along the way to reach the semifinal against the unbeatable Firenze.
They are on the right track, but will it be enough for next year as well?
Frogs Legnano: C
To be the man, you have to beat the man. Legnano failed to follow this golden rule during the season's closing stretch and paid the price with a premature exit.
A season finale marked by significant struggles against the title favorites saw the Lombardy-based team branded as the major disappointment of the 2026 IFL—at least among the league's top tier.
Will they be capable of taking that extra step in 2027 to truly contend for the title?
Aquile Ferrara: C-
After a strong start, the Aquile slumped; their Week 3 tiebreaker win over the Marines proved decisive for a team of two faces—strong against weak opponents but weak against the strong.
After missing the playoffs last year, the team from Emilia succeeded in reaching the postseason this time around, but at what cost? They were eliminated in the first round despite boasting a roster that looked competitive on paper.
Can the Aquile go further next year?
Lazio Marines: C-
It is a real shame to see the Lazio Marines miss the playoffs after what they showed during a season full of ups and downs.
The team’s true potential—young yet brimming with talent—was evident on many occasions; however, in certain games, they ran out of steam just when they needed it most—such as the loss to Aquile Ferrara, which sealed the capital team's fate.
Next year, the Marines will undergo a transformation, with Nick Quartaro taking over as Head Coach from Cooper Heisey. Will this mark the turning point for the roman team?
Warriors Bologna: D
Another mediocre season for the Warriors, who once again failed to qualify for the playoffs.
To put it bluntly, this was yet another year of perpetual rebuilding for the Bologna-based squad, featuring a roster that mixes numerous young players—perhaps too inexperienced for a league of this caliber—with loyal veterans still looking to make their mark.
For the 2027 season, they will be parting ways with some members of their coaching staff. What is missing for the Emilian team to take that next step forward?
Rhinos Milano: F
There is little to say about a season that was disastrous from every perspective.
Plagued by major difficulties, an uncompetitive roster, and numerous lackluster performances, the Rhinos finished the season with zero wins in eight games—a record that demands serious reflection ahead of the coming season.
Rumors circulating within the Italian football community—and reported by the Italian outlet Huddle Magazine—suggest a possible merger with Seamen Milano (the reigning IFL2 champions), though neither club has officially confirmed such a move.
What does the future hold for football in Milan, especially with the arrival of an EFA franchise next year?
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