1996/97 Italy Away Football Shirt (L)

Condition: 8/10 Excellent. One small faint pull on the lower front

Size: Adult Large (slim fitting)

Chest Measurement: 40-42 Inches / 107-112 CM

Manufacturer: Nike

Colour: White, blue & gold trim

Material: Polyester

Seasons: 1996/1997 & 1997/1998

Player: N/A

Patches: N/A

Official Nike Italy away football shirt from the 1996/97 international season.

The condition of this original football jersey is 8/10 - Excellent. One small faint pull on the lower front (see photos).

After a gritty 1–0 win against Norway I Italy’s opening game at the 1994 World Cup, and a 1–1 draw with Mexico, Italy advanced from Group E based on goals scored among the four teams tied on points. In the Round of 16, Italy was down 0–1 late against Nigeria, but Roberto Baggio came to the rescue with a splended equaliser in the 88th minute and a penalty in extra time to snatch the win. 

Baggio scored another late goal against Spain in the quarter-final to seal a 2–1 win and two beautifully taken goals against Bulgaria in the semi-final for another 2–1 win. In the final, Italy and Brazi lplayed 120 minutes of scoreless football, taking the match to a penalty shootout. Italy lost the subsequent shootout 3–2 after Baggio, who had been playing with the aid of a pain-killing injection and a heavily bandaged hamstring, missed the final penalty kick of the match, shooting over the crossbar.

Italy did not progress beyond the group stage at the finals of Euro 96. Having defeated Russia 2–1 but lost to the Czech Republic by the same score, Italy required a win to be sure of progressing. Gianfranco Zola failed to convert a decisive penalty in a 0–0 draw against Germany, who eventually won the tournament.