New Italy Kit More Than Just About Finalissima
Euro 2021 champions Italy will soon contest the Finalissima in Wembley against the reigning Copa America titlists Argentina, relaunching a football tradition that pitted the best of Europe versus the finest of South America. It is in this momentous event that the Azzuri will play for the first time its last Puma kit before the national association moves on to adidas as its kit maker. In essence, the Italy ‘Finalissima’ home kit is not just about the occasion, it is about saying goodbye to the Wild Cat brand after 2 decades of partnership. Italy and Puma will end their collaboration with two winning kits: the World Cup kit of 2006 and the Euro 2021 strip.
? Presenting the 2022/23 Italy home shirt! ??
? https://t.co/zxyIwGkZij@pumafootball #azzurri pic.twitter.com/UEymK9DvwJ
— Italy ???????? (@Azzurri_En) May 30, 2022
Puma, however, ensures that fully glory is accorded to the Italy national football team in its last home shirt with them. The subtle quarter design in two shades of blue recognises the nation’s World Cup titles in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006, an inspiring way to immortalise Italy’s start in its journey to reclaim its spot as a World Cup participant (Italy failed to qualify in this year’s international tournament). As if to tell the players to fully breathe in the meaning of being an Azzuri, the full colours of the Italian flag go as a striping pattern along the edge of the round neckline. The German brand completes its farewell Italy kit with a classic touch of the old Puma combination mark in gold.
Catch the Italy wearing its Puma Finalissima kit against Argentina on 1 Jun, 7:45 PM UK.
An Anglo/Italian sports journalist and author who writes for a number of publications, including The Guardian and Sports Illustrated. Previously a columnist for World Soccer, Jean Paul has appeared on a number of football podcasts including The Guardian’s Football Weekly, he is a Juventus supporter having followed the Bianconeri since first visiting the Stadio delle Alpi in the 1990s.
