Italy 1986–90 Home Shirt (L/S) – Authentication Guide
The Italy 1986–90 long sleeve home shirt, manufactured by Diadora, is one of the most recognisable shirts in Azzurri history. Worn during the 1990 World Cup on home soil and at Euro 1988, the design is iconic for its sharp royal blue base, classic Diadora detailing, and subtle jacquard pattern. Long sleeve versions are especially sought after and are commonly faked or confused with short sleeve replicas.
Shirt Overview
- Team: Italy National Team
- Seasons: 1986–87 through 1990 World Cup
- Type: Home Shirt – Long Sleeve
- Manufacturer: Diadora
- Main Colours: Royal blue with white, red, and green trim
- Competition Use: UEFA Euro 1988, 1990 FIFA World Cup
- Retail Release: Circa 1987–88
- Available Versions: Short sleeve and long sleeve, match issue and replica
Design Features
- Royal blue base with all-over tonal jacquard print of “FIGC” crests
- Long sleeves with ribbed cuffs
- Classic collar with button placket
- Green, white and red Italian flag trim on sleeve cuffs and collar edge
- Embroidered Italy badge on left chest (circle shield with tricolour and “ITALIA”)
- White Diadora logo embroidered on right chest
- Inside collar includes Diadora sizing label, sometimes with Italian size system (e.g., 5, 6, 7)
- Fabric: Smooth polyester-cotton blend with slightly heavy feel
Variants and Notes
- Match-Worn Shirts: May feature heat-applied number patches, tighter collars, and reinforced stitching
- Replica Versions: Generally use identical fabric but looser fit and lower-quality crest embroidery
- Fake Spotting: Look out for printed Diadora logos or incorrect FIGC jacquard placement
- Sleeve Difference: Long sleeve cuffs are thick and often curl slightly—short sleeve version lacks tricolour at hem
Player Info
| Player | Appearances (1986–90) |
|---|---|
| Franco Baresi | 34 |
| Giuseppe Bergomi | 39 |
| Paolo Maldini | 26 (1990 tournament debut) |
| Roberto Baggio | 16 |
| Gianluca Vialli | 30 |
| Walter Zenga | 38 |
Tournament Use
- Euro 1988: Worn in all four of Italy’s matches as they reached the semi-finals
- 1990 World Cup: Primary kit for hosts Italy, worn throughout the tournament, including the semi-final defeat to Argentina
Final Notes
At Shirtchecker.com, we help collectors visually authenticate iconic football shirts from every era. The Italy 1986–90 long sleeve shirt is identifiable by its rich blue base, all-over jacquard pattern, and tricolour detailing. To confirm authenticity, check for embroidered logos, cuff trim, and original Diadora neck labels. This is one of the most faked and reissued Italian shirts—buy with caution and compare closely to match-used versions where possible.
