Italy (Home 2003)

After 2002 World Cup, changes were in order. But who would have thought that no, not coach Trappatoni was fired, but the kit supplier was changed. In comes Puma for a partnership that now already lasts for a decade. Clearly, there were ups and downs, but the period was overall a rather successful one for the Italians – but with very notable setbacks in between, as well.

I guess, the main reason that Trappatoni was allowed to stay, was the manner in which Italy excited the 2002 World Cup. Not the overly cautious style was questioned, but rather the admittedly scandalous refereeing of on Byron Moreno. Consequently, ss for previous tournaments, the Italians had no trouble qualifying for EURO 2004 and once again asserted themselves among the giants of Europe – at least in 2003.

Let’s have a look at Puma’s first go at the Azzurri shirt, a rather unknown one since it was used only in qualifying. At first glance all the important things are present: We are back to a more traditional blue tone, with the Puma logo now adorning the right chest and the Italian shield prominently featuring on the left. The three stars remain on the right sleeve together with another Puma logo. The sleeves (with a white trim) have a rather unusual shape in being longer on top, but that is fine. The collar also has a white trim, but it is the shape of the collar opening that is by far the most striking feature of the shirt. It is quite asymmetrical and frankly odd looking to me. I know Puma designs frequently challenge convention (see the Cameroon shirts of the early 2000s), but that one is taking it a step too far IMHO.

 

Another new feature of the Puma shirts was the use of golden names and numbers with a white trim which were adequately placed but seem a bit pompous. The style is reminiscent of the 1998 numbering style, which actually looked plain and fine. Still, I do prefer white numbers on my Italy shirt – despite the fact that Italy is one of the most successful soccer nations ever.

 

Many things to like here, but for me the collar destroys the shirt. I like the return to a more conventional blue as well as the retaining of the Italian shield. The numbers would have been better in white, but that’s only a minor complaint. It is the collar that I totally dislike. Sorry, Puma, but this was a bad start.

My rating: 5/10 stars.

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