5 manufacturers have represented the Italian nationwide group for his or her kits on the Euros in latest many years. Incontestably, the German sportswear firm Puma takes the lead, having sponsored Italy from 2004 to 2020. However, every equipment the Italians have worn since Euro 1996 is value analyzing. Considerably, the design and tailoring of every jersey have undoubtedly impacted the nationwide group.
Italy kits on the Euros beginning with Euro 1996 – Nike
In 1996, Nike created Italy’s jersey with a form-fitting design. The shirt featured a golden collar and sleeve stripes to symbolize numerous sponsorships. Regardless of the brand new look, Italy completed third of their group and didn’t advance to the knockout stage. Nonetheless, there have been nonetheless notable achievements on the sector; Pierluigi Casiraghi and Enrico Chiesa scored targets for the Azzurri. At present, Chiesa’s son Federico is a rising star on the nationwide group.
Sadly, Arrigo Sacchi’s Italy didn’t impress general. Furthermore, Gianfranco Zola fell brief once more. Whereas enjoying for Italy, he didn’t carry out effectively on the 1994 World Cup and Euro 1996. Wanting again, it’s clear that Sacchi’s group strongly most well-liked AC Milan gamers. Sacchi persistently favored the ‘I Rossoneri’ as a coach and was usually criticized for choosing its gamers.
Euro 2000 – Kappa
Italy’s prime jersey tailors to perfection for the exceptionally match participant. This manner-fitting design leaves no room to cover any lack of health. The fabric used within the design is a mix of polyamide meryl and elastane, permitting for stretchiness in all instructions whereas additionally offering breathability and retaining its form.
In 2000, Italy’s star-studded group showcased their impeccable model on and off the sector. They made it to the finals, solely to be defeated by France in additional time as a result of problematic golden aim rule.
Regardless of the heartache, two gamers named Francesco stood out: Totti, along with his epic ‘panenka’ in opposition to the Netherlands within the semi-finals, and Toldo, a exceptional backup goalkeeper for an injured Gianluigi Buffon. These standout performances propelled Italy to new heights. It was paying homage to their 1994 World Cup run.
Though they fell brief ultimately, Italy displayed their dedication. The remainder of the soccer world took discover that the Azzurri had been on a mission to win a serious match. A feat that they had but to perform since Paolo Rossi and Dino Zoff led them to victory in 1982. The latter served as head coach at Euro 2000. Although his stint because the boss solely lasted two years, Zoff left an indelible mark on the Italian group.
Euro 2004 – Puma
Puma correctly prevented Kappa’s tightly fitted uniforms. As a substitute, the German sportswear model opted for snug, relaxed-fit polyester jerseys with a noticeable sheen. In distinction to Kappa’s matte blue, Puma’s shiny royal blue elevated Italy to a regal stage. Nonetheless, the breathable match solely labored of their favor.
Regardless of gamers like Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Del Piero, and Christian Vieri, the group wanted assist to advance from their group. Despite the fact that star participant Francesco Totti sported a ponytail paying homage to Roberto Baggio, he was removed from divine on the sector. He even acquired a three-game ban for spitting at a Danish opponent throughout a match. UEFA deemed that conduct as “gross misconduct.”
Humorously, Italy may blame its lackluster efficiency on its Puma-designed equipment. The tough texture and heat-trapping materials prompted discomfort and frustration among the many gamers, and one would count on them by no means to belief Puma once more after such a debacle.
Nonetheless, two years later, when Italy sought redemption and received the World Cup, Puma once more gave them the right breathable match. This time, it was beneath the management of Marcello Lippi as an alternative of Giovanni Trappatoni.
Euro 2008 – Puma
Puma’s design for the Italian gamers was daring and provocative. They flaunted sheer, short-sleeved V-neck jerseys that exposed a major quantity of pores and skin.
The Italians ditched their war-ready attire from two years prior for one thing extra intimate. Though fashionable, the Euro 2008 equipment felt extra like loungewear than a conventional jersey.
Regardless of their seductive look, Italy solely superior to second place of their group after being defeated by the Netherlands 3-0. Targets from Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi, and Christian Panucci couldn’t save them from one other shootout defeat within the quarterfinals in opposition to Spain. Unusually, although he deserves the utmost respect, head coach Roberto Donadoni was overshadowed by the greatness of Marcello Lippi.
Euro 2012 – Puma
Puma remodeled their 2008 sleepwear right into a purposeful jersey with a V-neck that transitioned right into a glossy, buttoned white collar. The Italian group wore this preppy design as armor on their journey to the ultimate. However, their kits resembled a rugby squad.
The Ghanaian-Italian Mario Balotelli was the match’s star participant. The quantity 9, born in Palermo, fashioned a robust camaraderie with Antonio Cassano. The Adana Demirspor striker scored three targets. To not point out capitalizing within the quarterfinal shootout in opposition to England. Nonetheless, the rating disparity in opposition to Spain finally made the distinction for Italy.
Italy battled to an exciting draw of 0-0 with Spain of their first group match. Nonetheless, ‘La Furia Roja’ dominated with a crushing rating of 4-1 within the closing rematch. It was Italy’s most devastating loss in a closing since their defeat in opposition to Brazil in 1970.
For coach Cesare Prandelli, it was a mixture of conquest and disaster, like Arrigo Sacchi in 1994. Whereas Prandelli efficiently proved his level along with his protégé Balotelli, the previous Atalanta participant reached the peak of his profession as a head coach.
Euro 2016 – Puma
As Euro 2016 approached, Italy’s jersey design took a flip, turning into extra paying homage to a typical youth soccer league uniform. This shift was a stark distinction to the long-lasting Kappa shirt, a logo of Italian delight, worn throughout Euro 2000. This was the shirt that head coach Antonio Conte sported when he scored an important aim in opposition to Turkey. Quick ahead to Euro 2016, and Conte was now Italy’s head coach, main a group that sadly went down as one of many worst in Italian historical past.
Regardless of profitable their group on aim distinction, Italy confronted a well-recognized adversary within the Republic of Eire and suffered one other 1-0 defeat. This loss echoed reminiscences of the identical defeat throughout World Cup 1994, a painful reminder of their previous. But, the Italian group remained undeterred, their spirit unbroken. The ‘Boys in Inexperienced’ could have received the battle, however the Azzurri was able to combat one other day.
However, it was clear that Italy lacked sturdy strikers, with solely half of its targets coming from defenders resembling Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci—as soon as often called the formidable twin towers of Italian protection.
However, Italy managed to advance to the Quarterfinals earlier than finally shedding to Germany on penalty kicks. In consequence, it grew to become evident {that a} downfall was imminent. The Azzurri wanted extra star energy. As a substitute, it relied on an inflow of proficient however inexperienced gamers trying to show themselves.
Euro 2020 – Puma
The Euro 2020 jersey featured a black collar and striped sleeves in basic Italian blue. The black collar was virtually just like the gamers symbolized their disappointment after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Nonetheless, the slim minimize, narrower on the chest and waist jersey morphed into an Italian vendetta. The Azzurri did it in model, dominating each sport. In the end, they received the match with out dropping a match.
The trail to Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph was a testomony to their strategic planning and teamwork. In Italian championship victories, it was by no means the results of one participant’s efforts alone that led them to success. Italy’s efficiency at Euro 2020 surpassed their 2006 World Cup victory. Again then, the USMNT managed to tie with Italy within the group stage. Nonetheless, at Euro 2020, Spain and England got here near difficult the impeccable Italians. In the end, it was a show of Italy’s collective power and dedication that captivated the world.
Euro 2024 – Adidas
From Euro 2004 to Euro 2020, Rudolf Dassler’s Puma had the dignity of designing all of Italy’s kits. Nonetheless, Dassler’s brother’s firm offers Italy a style of its trendy aptitude for the primary time in Italian soccer historical past.
In 1924, Adolf “Adi” Dassler and his brother Rudolf co-founded a shoe firm. Sadly, their relationship cut up in 1948, and the corporate was divided into two factions. Thus begins the German sportswear rivalry between Puma and Adidas.
It’s uncommon to see Italy carrying Adidas. The model with three stripes does one thing no different model has completed earlier than—it boldly incorporates the colours of the Italian flag. Inexperienced represents freedom, white symbolizes religion, and pink stands for love.
Pictures: Imago
Euro 2024
Listed below are some assets to get you prepared for Euros!
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