Italy announced that Adidas will become their kit sponsor from 2023 to replace Puma, but it’s coming full circle, as this is a return to their first ever designers in 1974.
The Azzurri will wear Puma kits if they qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as that will be played in November and December.
It’s hardly the first time, because Adidas were Italy’s very first kit sponsors in 1974 and during the 1978 World Cup, before switching to French company Le Coq Sportif until 1984, including the period where they won the 1982 World Cup.
Despite being a nation so famous for design, Italy have rarely used Italian kit sponsors, adopting Diadora from 1985 to 1994.
Nike came in for five years, then another Italian Kappa took over in 1999.
This was an historic moment, as for the first time the Nazionale had the kit sponsor’s logo on their playing shirts.
Puma came in from 2003, including the 2006 World Cup triumph and UEFA EURO 2020.
Italy are in good company, as Adidas are also the kit sponsors for Germany, Argentina, Spain, Belgium, Colombia, Sweden, Algeria, Mexico, Chile, Hungary and Wales.