Italy, known for its iconic green, white, and red national flag, has a unique choice when it comes to the color of its national soccer team’s jersey – blue. While many nations incorporate their flag colors into their jerseys, Italy stands apart with its blue kit. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Italy’s love for the color blue and its significance to the Italian national team.
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Why Italian Teams Wear Blue
To fully understand Italy’s choice of blue, it is essential to recognize the specific shade they have chosen. The color adorning Italy’s national jersey is Savoy blue, also known as savoy azure. This deep blue shade is not just aesthetically pleasing but carries a rich history that is deeply intertwined with Italian identity. It is no wonder that the Italian team is known as Gli Azzurri, the Blues.
The Historical Significance of Savoy Blue
Believe it or not, the roots of Savoy blue can be traced back to the Crusades. In 1366, the Count of Savoy decided to have a blue flag on his departing fleet of galleys, forever associating the color with the House of Savoy. Over time, the House of Savoy evolved and eventually played a vital role in the formation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
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By the time the Kingdom of Italy was established, Savoy blue had become an essential part of Italian culture and heritage. Thus, when the Italian national team was formed in 1910, it was a natural choice to adopt the color for their jersey.
When Did Italy Start Wearing Savoy Blue?
Interestingly, the Italian team initially played in white jerseys during their early games. The reasons for this choice remain uncertain, but some speculate that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had difficulty deciding on a color. Another possible factor was the cost of dyeing jerseys, as white fabric was more affordable.
After two international matches against Hungary and France, Italy finally embraced the Savoy blue jersey, which has since become an iconic symbol of the Italian national team. However, during the 1930s, the team briefly wore black kits under the influence of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. Fortunately, this change was short-lived, and the Savoy blue jersey was reinstated after the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946.
World Cup and European Championship Victories
Since adopting Savoy blue in 1911, the Italian national team has established a remarkable legacy. They have won the prestigious FIFA World Cup four times, claiming victory in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006. Italy’s success led to a modification of their jersey crest, replacing the word “Italia” with three stars to symbolize their three World Cup triumphs.
The Azzurri, as they are lovingly called, have also achieved success in the UEFA European Championship. They secured victories in 1968 and, more recently, in 2020, surprising fans and critics alike. Despite facing low expectations, Italy demonstrated their resilience and skill, reaffirming their status as one of the best international teams.
Conclusion
The Italian national soccer team is not the only Italian team to wear Savoy blue. The Men’s and Women’s national Rugby teams, as well as the Women’s national soccer team, also don the iconic blue jerseys. This unification of national teams under the title of Azzurri symbolizes a shared heritage and pride.
While the Italian away kit is white, reminiscent of their early games in the early 1900s, the blue jersey remains the team’s primary representation. Italy’s affinity for Savoy blue reflects their respect for Italian history, the monarchy, and a desire to honor their roots. It is unlikely that Italy will ever deviate from their national colors, as anything other than a blue jersey would simply feel wrong.
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