On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the 44th Italian Bowl was held at Glass Bowl Stadium in Toledo, Ohio. The Florence Guelphs won 49-14 against the Ancona Dolphins, ending the season undefeated with a clean sweep (10-0).
The game was decided as early as the first two quarters: the Florentine defense intercepted and shut down Ancona’s offense, while the offense-led by quarterback Andrea Fimiani-found rhythm and running, scoring touchdowns on runs and passes and keeping the game under control.
Andrea Fimiani was named MVP of the Italian Bowl and MVP of the IFL season, the first Italian quarterback to be awarded these honors by the Federation. His explosive play, both on the ground and on passing, confirmed why he is considered a phenomenon in Italian football.
During the intermission, Italian Consul in Detroit Allegra Baistrocchi awarded the Knighthood to Lou Tosi for his role as a cultural bridge between Italy and the United States. The ceremony was followed by a celebratory dinner signed by chef Francesco Del Noce, who enchanted those present with dishes made with products of excellence that arrived directly from Italy: Acquerello Rice, Urban Truffles and Caffè Borbone, capable of enhancing the Italian soul with authentic flavors.
Consul Baistrocchi, who has believed from the beginning in the value of the Italian Bowl as a tool of cultural diplomacy, has transformed a sporting event into a concrete opportunity to reposition Italy’s image in territories like Ohio, where outdated stereotypes often dominate. A virtuous example of how culture – also through sports – can become an ambassador of our identity in the world.
Spectators at the Glass Bowl were won over by the unique spirit of the Italian Bowl, called by the New York Times “an extraordinary chapter for Italian football in America, bringing two nations together on a symbolic field.” Indeed, the week in Toledo combined sports, culture, cuisine and diplomacy, confirming how American football can be a universal language and bridge between different communities.
All this will be recounted in “Touchdown Italy – An American Dream,” the documentary signed by Davide Ippolito and produced by LuckyHorn Entertainment with the contribution of the Italy America Reputation Lab foundation, which will retrace the highlights of the Italian week in Ohio, including training sessions, institutional meetings, personal stories and, of course, the game. An emotional journey to discover the more human, cultural and visionary side of the American dream lived through sports.
The article Italian Bowl: sports, culture and Italian pride in the home of football comes from TheNewyorker.