{"product_id":"italy-1996-97-away-shirt-del-piero-14-xl","title":"ITALY 1996-97 AWAY SHIRT - DEL PIERO 14 - XL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery good condition. Federation crest is embroidered patch, stitched onto shirt. Nike swoosh is embroidered. Player name\/number are Polyflex and heat applied, small amount of wear to letter 'D' on name. N\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eo pulls, few small bobbles across both sides of shirt. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColours and stitching in excellent condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItaly competed at UEFA Euro 1996 in England under Arrigo Sacchi, entering the tournament hoping to build on their appearance in the 1994 FIFA World Cup final.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Azzurri featured an experienced squad including Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, Roberto Donadoni, Demetrio Albertini and Gianfranco Zola, alongside emerging talents Alessandro Del Piero and Alessandro Nesta.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItaly began their campaign against Russia at Anfield, securing a 2–1 victory through two goals from Pierluigi Casiraghi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir second fixture brought a meeting with the Czech Republic at Anfield, where an early goal from Pavel Nedvěd gave the opposition the lead. Enrico Chiesa equalised for Italy, but Radek Bejbl restored the Czech advantage before half-time. Italy were unable to recover, with Luigi Apolloni's first-half dismissal leaving Sacchi's side with ten men.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result meant Italy needed a positive outcome against Germany in their final group fixture at Old Trafford. Despite creating several opportunities, including a first-half penalty taken by Zola, Italy were unable to find a breakthrough against the eventual European champions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe match finished goalless, leaving Italy third in their group with four points, level with the Czech Republic but eliminated on their head-to-head record. Germany subsequently progressed through the knockout stages and defeated the Czech Republic in the final to secure their third European Championship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the tournament, Italy turned their attention towards qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Sacchi remained in charge for the opening stages of qualifying before departing in December 1996, with Cesare Maldini appointed as his successor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe transition marked an important period for the national team, as experienced internationals were joined by an emerging generation featuring Del Piero, Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced by Nike, the Italy 1996–97 away shirt featured an elegant white colourway with a contrasting blue polo collar and distinctive yellow detailing around the collar and sleeve cuffs. The design incorporated blue-and-yellow sleeve trim, the Italian Football Federation crest with three stars, Nike branding and 'ITALIA' lettering across the lower back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssociated with players including Maldini, Del Piero, Albertini and Zola during the Euro 1996 period and subsequent World Cup qualifying campaign, the shirt represents a transitional era in Italian international football. Its traditional colours, understated design and distinctive Nike detailing make it a classic example of 1990s international football shirts.\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mw-page-title-main\" style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"\u003ePIT TO PIT - 57cm \/\/\/ COLLAR TO HEM - 70cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Soccer Archive","offers":[{"title":"XL \/ White","offer_id":53220279025951,"sku":"2\/11-33VPG1","price":180.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/3508\/5343\/files\/XLDELPIERO_43a6dae7-bcb7-44b6-91bf-81cdf79abfa0.png?v=1794238565","url":"https:\/\/thesoccerarchive.com\/ja\/products\/italy-1996-97-away-shirt-del-piero-14-xl","provider":"The Soccer Archive","version":"1.0","type":"link"}