1996 Season Italy Away Retro

This away jersey stands as a core testament to Italy's journey at the 1996 UEFA European Championship in England, accompanying the team through the inaugural tournament following the expansion to 16 teams. Drawing Germany, Czech Republic, and Russia in a grueling “Group of Death,” Italy suffered a 0-2 opening defeat to the Czechs. In the second match, Gianluca Vialli equalized for Italy, but the team still fell 1-2. A 0-0 draw against Germany in the final group game saw Italy eliminated on points difference. Despite the disappointing result, the kit marked a pivotal phase of generational transition within the squad. Veterans like Baggio and Vialli shared the field with the emerging talent of Gianluca, while the defensive backbone of Maldini and Albertini demonstrated the enduring quality of a top-tier team, providing crucial match experience for future tactical adjustments.
This jersey features a pure white base, breaking from the visual expectation of home blue and becoming one of the most recognizable away designs in 1990s football. The retro polo collar is trimmed with green, white, and red piping, precisely echoing the elements of the Italian flag. A subtle pattern is discreetly woven into the inner collar, quietly showcasing the nation's heritage.
It stands as a testament to Italian football during the twilight of the “Baggio era,” bearing witness to the grueling battles of the 1996 European Championship's “Group of Death.” More poignantly, it immortalized the legendary moment when the elder Chiesa scored his first goal in a European Championship, becoming an emotional bridge connecting two generations of players. As Nike's inaugural away kit for Italy in major tournaments, its white base accented with tricolor trim broke away from conventional away-kit color schemes. This design holds greater exploratory significance than subsequent iterations, reflecting the pioneering spirit of the brand partnership's early days. Compared to the iconic status of the home blue jersey, this away white shirt carries a deeper historical weight due to its association with the “European Championship finals” and the unique memory of Italy's group-stage exit. It serves as a core piece filling the gap in Italy's retro collection sequence for 1990s tournament away kits, while also paying tribute to the early collaboration between Nike and the “Azzurri.” It holds both significant collectible value and historical significance.