Images for this shirt have been carefully researched from genuine sources including greatestkits.co.uk.
1986-90 Italy Home Shirt Authentication Guide
The 1986–90 Italy home shirt is a quintessential example of classic football design—simple, stylish, and unmistakably Italian. Manufactured by Diadora, this shirt was worn by the national team in the years following the 1986 World Cup. Its minimalism, fine detailing, and unique tailoring make it a favourite among collectors and a challenge to authenticate due to the prevalence of subtle counterfeit differences.
Shirt Overview
- Manufacturer: Diadora
- Primary Color: Azzurri Blue
- Accent Colors: Tricolor (green, white, red) on collar and cuffs
- Collar Style: Polo collar with buttonless placket
- Crest: Embroidered Italian badge (round version with three stars)
- Material: Cotton/polyester blend
- Sleeve Type: Short sleeve with ribbed cuffs
Design Details
- Distinctive tricolor tipping on both collar and sleeve ends
- No sponsor or manufacturer branding on the chest (clean front)
- Diadora logo present only on internal tag
- Long back hem cut slightly longer than front (tailored fit)
- Classic round FIGC crest with gold trim, embroidered
Variants and Notes
- Long sleeve versions existed but were rarely worn in matches
- Match-worn shirts sometimes featured slightly thicker crest embroidery
- Player shirts may include internal stitched size tags and fabric codes
- Replicas may use incorrect shade of blue (too light or too bright)
- Fabric softness and stitching accuracy are key authentication markers
Player Info
| Player | Appearances (All Competitions) |
|---|---|
| Giuseppe Giannini | 20 |
| Gianluca Vialli | 25 |
| Roberto Donadoni | 15 |
| Antonio Di Gennaro | 18 |
| Franco Baresi | 10 |
Season Summary
Following their 1982 World Cup triumph and a disappointing 1986 World Cup, the Italy national team entered a transition period under new coach Azeglio Vicini. The 1986–88 shirt era saw a blend of veteran leadership and the emergence of new talent like Giannini, Vialli, and Donadoni. The team began to rebuild in preparation for UEFA Euro 1988. The shirt itself became symbolic of Italy’s enduring football heritage—clean, elegant, and highly sought after by collectors today. A true staple in vintage football shirt collections, especially when found in authentic match-spec form.
