ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” Qualifiers
March 25th 2021
Italy vs Northern Ireland
Match Worn Unwashed Shirt
Chiellini Giorgio
Did you Know?
This shirt has been worn by Giorgio Chiellini during the Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” qualifying game between Italy and Northern Ireland which took place in Parma, “Ennio Tardini” Stadium, on March 25th 2021. Italy defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 and at the end of the game Chiellini swapped his shirt with an opponent player whom we got it from. On 25 April 2022, Chiellini announced that he would retire from the Italy national team after the 2022 Finalissima against reigning Copa América champions Argentina on 1 June.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” Qualifiers
September 5th 2021
Switzerland vs Italy
Match Worn Unwashed Shirt
Zaniolo Nicolò
Did you Know?
This shirt has been worn by Nicolò Zaniolo during the Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” qualifying game between Switzerland and Italy which took place in Basel, “Sankt Jakob-Park”, on September 5th 2021. The shirt, with the new UEFA “EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS 2020” patch on chest, is still unwashed and it has big mud stains on chest and on the back very recognizable from game’s footages. Italy tied 0-0 setting an international record by extending its unbeaten run to 36 games. The team has not lost under coach Robert Mancini for three years now, to pass the 35-game world record shared with Spain (2007-09) and Brazil (1993-96). Some credit Brazil with a 36-game run though one of those games, against Romania, is not officially recognized.
Things to Know:
With the Italy under-19 side, Zaniolo took part in the 2018 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, reaching the final of the tournament, which Italy lost 4–3 after extra time against Portugal. On 1 September 2018, he was given his first senior international call-up for Italy by manager Roberto Mancini – without having received a cap in Serie A – for Italy’s opening UEFA Nations League matches against Poland and Portugal later that month. He made his debut with the Italy U21 team on 11 October 2018, under manager Luigi Di Biagio, in a 1–0 friendly defeat to Belgium. He made his debut with the senior team on 23 March 2019, entering as a substitute for Verratti in a 2–0 home win over Finland in Italy’s opening UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying match. He made his first start for Italy on 15 October, in a 5–0 away win against Liechtenstein, in a Euro 2020 qualifier. His first international goals came on 18 November, a brace in a 9–1 home win over Armenia, in Italy’s final Euro 2020 qualifier; he also set up Ciro Immobile’s second goal during the match. On 7 September 2020, after being called up for the start of Italy’s campaign in the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League, he suffered a second anterior cruciate ligament injury in eight months, this time in his left knee, in an eventual 1–0 away win over the Netherlands.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” Qualifiers
November 12th 2021
Italy vs Switzerland
Unwashed Match Worn Shirt
Donnarumma Gianluigi
Did you Know?
This shirt has been worn by Gianluigi Donnarumma during the Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” qualifying game between Italy and Switzerland which took place in Roma, “Stadio Olimpico”, on November 12th 2021. The shirt is still unwashed and it has several mud stains on front and on the sleeves that are very recognizable from game’s footages.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
Uefa “NATIONS LEAGUE 2020/2021”
October 10th 2021
Italy vs Belgium
Match Worn Shirt
Chiesa Federico
Did you Know?
This shirt was worn by Federico Chiesa during the Uefa “Nations League 2020/2021” 3rd place Final between Italy and Belgium which took place in Torino, “Allianz Stadium” on October 10th 2021. Italy defeated Belgium 2-1. This is a special shirt used by the team in the last two Uefa “Nations League 2020/2021” games, against Spain in the semi-final and against Belgium in the 3rd place final. While the design of the shirt is very similar to the regular Euro 2020 version, this shirt has made by the team’s supplier Puma with a lighter fabric called “ULTRAWEAVE”. Chiesa scored his first senior international goal on 18 November 2019, in a 9–1 home win over Armenia, in Italy’s final Euro 2020 qualifier, under manager Roberto Mancini; he also assisted two goals during the match: Ciro Immobile’s first goal, and Riccardo Orsolini’s goal. In June 2021, Chiesa was included in Italy’s squad for UEFA Euro 2020. He was named Man of the Match by UEFA in Italy’s final group match, a 1–0 victory over Wales in Rome on 20 June, which saw them top their group. On 26 June, he scored the opening goal in a 2–1 extra-time win over Austria in the round of 16 of the tournament at Wembley Stadium. His father Enrico had scored 25 years and 12 days earlier in Italy’s second group match at UEFA Euro 1996 in England, a 2–1 loss against eventual runners-up Czech Republic; as such they became the first father and son pair to have scored a goal at the Euros. In the semi-final against Spain on 6 July, he scored the opening goal in a 1–1 draw; a game in which Italy advanced to the final of the tournament after extra time following a 4–2 penalty shoot-out victory. For his performance, Chiesa was named Man of the Match by UEFA for the second time. On 11 July, Chiesa suffered an injury late in the second half of regulation time in the UEFA Euro 2020 Final against England at Wembley Stadium, and was subsequently replaced by Federico Bernardeschi in the 86th minute; Italy went on to win the European Championship following a 3–2 victory in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw in extra-time. For his performances throughout the competition, he was named in the “Team of the Tournament”. On 6 October, Chiesa assisted Lorenzo Pellegrini’s goal in a 2–1 home defeat to Spain in the semi-finals of the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League. On 10 October, he won a penalty from which Domenico Berardi scored the match–winning goal to give Italy a 2–1 home victory over Belgium in the bronze medal match of the 2021 UEFA Nations League Finals.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
Uefa “NATIONS LEAGUE 2020/2021”
October 6th 2021
Italy vs Spain
Unwashed Match Worn Shorts
Donnarumma Gianluigi
Did you Know?
These shorts were worn by Gianluigi Donnarumma during the Uefa “Nations League 2020/2021” semi-final between Italy and Spain which took place in Milano, “Giuseppe Meazza” Stadium on October 6th 2021. Spain defeated Italy 2-1 and at the end of the game Donnarumma gave these shorts to an Italy team member whom we got these from. While the field’s players wore a new special shirt (see above) used for the last two games of the Uefa Nations League, Donnarumma and all the goalkeepers wore the same “Euro 2020” goalkeepers kits.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” Qualifiers
March 24th 2022
Italy vs Macedonia
Unwashed Match Worn Shirt and Captain Arm Band
Verratti Marco
Did you Know?
This shirt was worn by Marco Verratti during the first half of the Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” qualifiers between Italy and Macedonia which took place in Palermo, “Stadio Comunale Renzo Barbera”, on March 24th 2022. The captain arm band was instead worn in the second half. In this game Italy missed out on the World Cup finals again after losing 1-0 at home to Macedonia in their playoff semi-final as Aleksandar Trajkovski’s last-gasp strike earned the visitors a famous win. Italy also did not qualify for the World Cup four years before, missing out for the first time since 1958, but the European champions dominated from the off in Palermo. The hosts became more desperate in their search for a winner after the break, however, as chances continued to come and go before, in stoppage time, Trajkovski arrowed in a stunning winner to spark wild North Macedonian celebrations. Roberto Mancini’s Italy side had 32 efforts at goal in the match but somehow fell short, with Macedonia going on to play Portugal in the playoff final on Tuesday for a place in Qatar. “It is a huge disappointment,” the Italy midfielder Jorginho said. “It hurts, it hurts so much. We have always created and dominated matches but we have not been able to finish teams off. It is not to blame anyone in particular but it is the reality. “I don’t know why we haven’t been able to do this, I am also involved in this, and it hurts me to think about it.” Without the veteran pairing Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini through injury, Italy’s makeshift defence was barely troubled in the first half, as all the action took place down the other end. Domenico Berardi had the best of the openings, having been presented with the ball after the North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski misplaced a pass, but his shot was tame, with Dimitrievski getting back to make the save. Ciro Immobile also wasted a glorious first-half chance for Italy when blazing over the bar from a good position. Berardi was again guilty of profligacy after the break, shooting over when he should have hit the target, and with their only meaningful attack of the match North Macedonia seized their chance. Italy did not look to be in too much danger, but Trajkovski, who plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Fayha, wrote his name into North Macedonian football folklore with a shot that crept inside the post to stun the home fans.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” Qualifiers
March 24th 2022
Italy vs Macedonia
Unwashed Match Worn Shorts
Pellegrini Lorenzo
Did you Know?
These shorts were worn by Lorenzo Pellegrini during the second half of the Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” qualifiers between Italy and Macedonia which took place in Palermo, “Stadio Comunale Renzo Barbera”, on March 24th 2022. Pellegrini was a substitute player and he entered in to the field in the second half. In June 2021, Pellegrini was included in Italy’s squad for UEFA Euro 2020 by manager Roberto Mancini. However, an injury later ruled him out of the final tournament, and Gaetano Castrovilli was called up in his place. On 6 October, Pellegrini scored in a 2–1 home defeat to Spain in the semi-finals of the 2021 UEFA Nations League Finals.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
“FINALISSIMA 2022”
June 1st 2022
Italy vs Argentina
Unwashed Match Worn Set
Barella Nicolò
Did you Know?
This set has been worn by Nicolò Barella during the “Finalissima 2022”. The “Finalissima 2022” was the third edition of the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions, an intercontinental football match between the winners of the previous South American and European championships. The match featured Italy, winners of UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021), and Argentina, winners of the 2021 Copa América. It was played at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on 1 June 2022. The match, a revival of the Artemio Franchi Cup last played 29 years prior, was organised by UEFA and CONMEBOL as part of a renewed partnership between the two confederations. Argentina won the match 3–0 for their second CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions title. In 1985 and 1993, the winners of the prior UEFA European Championship and Copa América tournaments played in the Artemio Franchi Cup (also known as the European/South American Nations Cup), a one-off match organised by UEFA and CONMEBOL. It was the national team equivalent to the Intercontinental Cup on the club level, played between the winners of the European Cup/UEFA Champions League and Copa Libertadores. France won the 1985 edition in Paris, while Argentina won the 1993 match in Mar del Plata. However, the competition was discontinued thereafter. The Artemio Franchi Cup can be considered a precursor of the King Fahd Cup/FIFA Confederations Cup, played in 1992 for the first time and organised by FIFA from 1997, which featured the title holders of the continental championships and FIFA World Cup. After the 2017 edition, FIFA announced on 15 March 2019 that the tournament would be abolished. On 12 February 2020, UEFA and CONMEBOL signed a renewed memorandum of understanding meant to enhance cooperation between the two organisations. As part of the agreement, a joint UEFA–CONMEBOL committee examined the possibility of staging European–South American intercontinental matches, for both men’s and women’s football and across various age groups. On 28 September 2021, UEFA and CONMEBOL confirmed that the UEFA European Championship and Copa América winners would face each other in an intercontinental match, with the agreement initially covering three editions starting in 2022. The first edition was confirmed to take place during the June 2022 international window at a venue to be confirmed. On 15 December 2021, UEFA and CONMEBOL again signed a renewed memorandum of understanding lasting until 2028, which included specific provisions on opening a joint office in London and the potential organisation of various football events. The match was confirmed to take place in London on 1 June 2022, with the venue yet to be decided. On 22 March 2022, UEFA announced the match would take place at Wembley Stadium. At the same time, the brand identity was revealed, and UEFA announced that the “CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions” was the new name for the Artemio Franchi Cup.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
“FINALISSIMA 2022”
June 1st 2022
Italy vs Argentina
Match Issued Set
Chiellini Giorgio
Did you Know?
This set has been issued for Giorgio Chiellini for the “Finalissima 2022”. This was the last Chiellini’s appearance with Italy National Team. On 25 April 2022, Chiellini announced that he would retire from the Italy national team after the 2022 Finalissima against reigning Copa América champions Argentina on 1 June. During the match, he made his final and 117th international appearance, equalling Daniele De Rossi as the team’s fourth–most capped player of all time; Italy were defeated 3–0 at Wembley Stadium, with Chiellini coming off at half time.
“FINALISSIMA 2022”
June 1st 2022
Italy vs Argentina
Match Used Ball
Did you Know?
This ball was used during the “Finalissima 2022” and it represents the official ball of the competition made by Adidas. It is called “Al Rihla Finalissima”. The Adidas Finalissima 2022 football is a custom colorway of the Al Rihla World Cup ball. It combines a white base with blue and green applications. The dates and official logo of the Finalissima 2022 are printed on the upper. The upper also features the name ‘Al Rihla’. Tech-wise, the Adidas Finalissima 2022 Ball is the same as the Al Rihla 2022 World Cup football. The Adidas “Finalissima 2022” was not available on sale and exclusively released for the game.
“FINALISSIMA 2022”
June 1st 2022
Italy vs Argentina
Team Pennant
Did you Know?
This is the Italy National team pennant released for the “Finalissima 2022” and given by the captain Giorgio Chiellini to the Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi. On 30 May 2022, 37-year-old Chilean referee Piero Maza was announced as the referee for the match, made as a joint appointment by CONMEBOL and UEFA. Maza had been a FIFA referee since 2018, though the match was his first senior international fixture as a referee. However, Maza did previously serve as a fourth official and VAR assistant at the 2019 Copa América, as well as a VAR at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was joined by his fellow countrymen Christian Schiemann and Claudio Ríos as assistant referees. Spanish referee Jesús Gil Manzano served as the fourth official, with his compatriots Alejandro Hernández Hernández and Juan Martínez Munuera serving as the VAR and one of the VAR assistants, respectively. Tiago Martins of Portugal was the other VAR assistant.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
“FINALISSIMA 2022”
June 1st 2022
Italy vs Argentina
Runner-up Medal
Did you Know?
This is the “Finalissima 2022” runner-up medal given to the Italian players. The match was held at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Wembley Stadium opened in 2007 on the site of the original stadium, the demolition of which took place between 2002 and 2003. Owned by the Football Association (FA), it serves as England’s national football stadium. The stadium was a host venue of UEFA Euro 2020, including the final, won by Italy on penalties over England. The original stadium, formerly known as the Empire Stadium, opened in 1923 and hosted matches at the 1966 FIFA World Cup, including the final, which saw hosts England beat West Germany 4–2 after extra time, and at UEFA Euro 1996, including the final, in which Germany defeated the Czech Republic. Wembley also hosts the annual FA Cup Final, doing so since the White Horse Final of 1923 (excluding 2001 to 2006, when the stadium was being rebuilt. Both national teams had to submit a squad of 23 players – of which three had to be goalkeepers – by 29 May 2022, three days prior to the match. Italy announced a 39-man preliminary squad on 23 May 2022. The squad was extended to 45 players on 27 May, with eight players added while Domenico Berardi and Andrea Pinamonti withdrew injured. The final squad was announced on 30 May. Argentina announced a 35-man preliminary squad on 13 May 2022. The squad was reduced to 29 players on 20 May. The final squad was announced on 1 June. UEFA revealed the brand identity for the match on 22 March 2022. The match was known as the Finalissima, Italian for “grand final”. The logo was based on the laurel wreath, a symbol of victory. It features ribbons in the colours of the competing nations, the green, white and red of Italy on the left, and the white and light blue of Argentina. In addition, several ribbons are in platinum and gold, intended to highlight the significance of the match. According to UEFA, the ribbons are “symbolic of the strong bonds between CONMEBOL and UEFA, and of their commitment to the development of football beyond their geographical zones”. The stadium capacity was 86,000 for the match, with tickets sold to fans and the general public on a first-come, first-served basis via UEFA.com. Available from 24 March 2022, the tickets were available in four price categories: £25, £40, £55 and £99.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
Uefa Nations League 2023
Italy vs England
Unwashed Match Worn Shirt
Donnarumma Gianluigi
Did you Know?
This shirt was worn by Gianluigi Donnarumma during the Uefa Nations League 2023 game between Italy and England which took place in Milan, “Giuseppe Meazza” Stadium, on September 23rd 2022. Italy defeated England 1-0 and at the end of the game Donnarumma gave his shirt to an Italy National team member whom we got it from. Italy joined The Netherlands and Croatia in the Nations League final four with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Hungary, while England and Germany shared the spoils at Wembley in a 3-3 draw that will leave both sides frustrated with their performances ahead of the World Cup. Italy needed to win in Hungary to win Group A3 on Friday, and the Azurri did not disappoint. Italy forward Wilfried Gnonto pounced onto a weak back pass in the 27th minute and was tackled by Hungary keeper Péter Gulácsi, but Gulácsi was unable to stop Giacomo Raspadori who took advantage of the loose ball to slot it home. Federico Dimarco tapped home at the far post in the 52nd minute to seal the game in front of a raucous Puskás Aréna Park and qualify the Italians for their second successive Nations League final four. Despite the victory, it is scant consolation following Italy’s shock exit in World Cup qualifying at the hands of North Macedonia. But Roberto Mancini will be pleased with his new look Italian team, which only featured four starters from the 2020 European Championship final won last year. “We were excellent for 70 minutes. The last 20, I didn’t like too much,” Mancini said after the game according to Reuters. “It’s important to have reached the Nations League final four for the second time, but the previous results unfortunately remain. “Let’s say that we were good at restarting and setting up a group that has values on which you can work.” The loss brought a memorable campaign for Hungary to an end, who at the outset of the group looked like the whipping boys but outclassed both Germany and England before only narrowly missing out on a final four spot.
Did you Know?
This shirt was worn by Jorginho during the Uefa Nations League game between Hungary and Italy which took place in Budapest, “Puskas Arena”, on September 26th 2022. Italy defeated Hungary 2-0 and at the end of the game Jorginho gave his shirt to an Italy National team member whom we got it from. With this result Italy clinched a place in the Nations League final four thanks to goals by Giacomo Raspadori and Federico Dimarco in their last League A-Group 3 game on Monday.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
2022-2023
Albania vs Italy
Match Worn Shirt
Fagioli Nicolò
Did you Know?
This shirt was worn by Nicolò Fagioli Nicolò Fagioli during the International friendly game between Albania and Italy which took place in Tirana, “Air Albania Stadium”, on November 16th 2022. Fagioli was a starter in most games for Italy U17 at the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. In the final against the Netherlands, he came on as a substitute in the 55th minute and provided two assists in the next eight minutes to help his team come back from 0–1 deficit and take the 2–1 lead. Netherlands eventually equalized and beat Italy in the penalty shootout. With Italy U19 Fagioli took part in the 2019 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. On 3 September 2021, he made his debut with the Italy U21 squad, playing as a substitute in the qualifying match won 3–0 against Luxembourg. On 16 November 2022, days after receiving his first senior call-up for the Italy national football team by head coach Roberto Mancini, Fagioli made his debut for the Azzurri during this friendly game against Albania.
Did you Know?
This shirt was worn by Alex Meret during the International friendly game between Albania and Italy which took place in Tirana, “Air Albania Stadium”, on November 16th 2022. Italy defeated Albania 3-1. Meret was a crucial member in the Italy U19 national team which took part in the 2016 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, finishing as runner-up after losing in the final; he was named in the team of the tournament alongside Kylian Mbappé of France. In March 2017, following impressive performances for SPAL in Serie B, he was called up to the Italy national team squad for the World Cup qualification for a match against Albania and a friendly against the Netherlands. On 22 March 2018, he made his debut with the Italy U21, playing as starter in a friendly match against Norway. He took part in the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship under manager Luigi Di Biagio,[20] as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. Meret made his international debut for the senior national team under manager Roberto Mancini, on 18 November 2019, coming on as a substitute for Salvatore Sirigu in a 9–1 home win over Armenia, in Italy’s final Euro 2020 qualifier. In June 2021, he was included in Italy’s squad for UEFA Euro 2020. On 11 July, Meret won the European Championship with Italy following a 3–2 penalty shoot-out victory over England at Wembley Stadium in the final, after a 1–1 draw in extra-time. He was the only squad member not to make an appearance in the competition.
Did you Know?
This shirt has been worn by Nicolò Barella during the International friendly game between Austria and Italy which took place in Leopoldstadt, “Ernst-Happel-Stadion”, on November 20th 2022. Austria defeated Italy 2-0. This is a very rare shirt because it was used by the team in this game only, which was also the last game of 2022 before Italy team changed its technical supplier from January 2023, moving from Puma to Adidas). So this was the only game played with this style of shirt.
ITALY NATIONAL TEAM
“Euro 2024” Qualifiers
Italy vs England
Unwashed Match Worn Shirt
Verratti Marco
Did you Know?
This shirt was worn. by Marco Verratti during the “Euro 2024” Qualifiers between Italy and England which took place in Napoli, “Stadio Diego Armando Maradona”, on March 23rd 2023. England defeated Italy 2-1 in the first game of the group. This shirt was the first ever Adidas shirt used by the team after they swap team’s supplier from Puma to Adidas. The Adidas Italy 2023 home jersey has the traditional colors of the country – blue & white with details in the Tricolor of the flag plus gold detailing on the collar. The Adidas Italy 2023 home shirt comes with a very subtle marble print on the front and the sleeves. The back of the Italy 2023 jersey is plain blue. Another bespoke element of the Italy 2023 home jersey can be found in the form of the side stripes that meet at the back of the shirt. They have the green-white-red colors of the Italian flag. The shirt used in this game is also a special one-off shirt that pays tribute to Gianluca Vialli. The former striker and coach passed away in January 2022, and this was Italy’s first game since his death. The Italy shirt vs England featured the message “, (“Luca, forever an Azzurro”) inside the collar, as a tribute to the 59-time capped Vialli. The Italian team’s coach, Roberto Mancini, spoke about Vialli’s impact on the team on the eve of the match. “We were very fortunate to have him, me as a team-mate and to work alongside him,” said Mancini. “People like him will always be close to us, he is immortal and will stay close to us.”
