Better or Worse? Nike Italy 1998 World Cup Prototype Kits Revealed
Twitter user Joseph Lanza has shared an image of prototype versions of Italy's 1998 World Cup kits, showing how a seemingly innocuous change can make a big difference to the overall aesthetic.
Nike Italy 1998 Prototype Shirts
Nike's brief tenure as kit supplier to Italy produced some great shirts and some even better training and travel gear. Gli Azzurri's World Cup campaign in 1998 was the final tournament outing with Nike at the helm, and they decided to play it safe with a pair of no nonsense - although they were shiny - kits, blue with minimal white trim for the home and the inverse for the away.
The accent colour was used sparingly in each case, with just the cuffs, piping on the hemline and inner section of the collar contrasting with the base. It could have been different however, as the prototype designs in photo above show. The inside of the collar opening and the hemline piping were set on dark navy strips, while the cuffs themselves were also navy, tipped with white. This additional colouring is even more noticeable on the away shirt. The interior of the Swoosh was also navy in both cases.
The prototypes show replica versions of the kit complete with Swooshes, although Italy famously played in logo-free shirts until 1999, when Kappa took over from Nike and became the first manufacturer to have their logo grace the national team's shirts on the pitch.
In the end, the simpler two tone options were chosen. The Italian FA were very skeptical of the white collar on Nike's first home shirt for them in 1995, while they permitted some more white and gold details in 1996, but it seems they wanted at least one strictly traditional set of kits from the American brand.
Do you think Italy and Nike made the right choice in going with the plainer versions? Or do you prefer the added trim? Comment below.
Northampton Town 26-27 Third Kit Released
Northampton Town and Puma have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 2026-27 season, completing the Cobblers' full wardrobe for the campaign. The new strip is set to make its on-pitch debut in the upcoming away fixture against Crewe Alexandra.
The Puma Northampton Town 2026-27 third shirt introduces a modern, dark grey base adorned with an intricate, brushstroke-like graphic pattern across the front in subtle claret and light grey tones. The collar and sleeve cuffs are detailed with clean black trim, while the club crest, Puma logo, and University of Northampton sponsor appear in crisp monochrome white.
Matching dark grey shorts and socks complete the uniform, creating a cohesive, stealthy aesthetic from top to bottom. The new 26-27 third kit is available to purchase now via the club's official online store.
AEK Athens 26-27 Away Kit Released
AEK Athens has officially unveiled its new away kit for the 2026-27 season, produced by Nike. Following the recent launches of the club's striped home and blue third shirts, the Greek side completes its set with a sleek, predominantly black design.
The Nike AEK Athens 2026-27 away jersey features a black base complemented by subtle dark charcoal diagonal pinstripes running down the front and lower back. Vibrant yellow accents highlight the collar, while the Nike Swoosh appears in matching yellow on the right chest. In place of the standard full shield, the left chest boasts a classic yellow double-headed eagle emblem adorned with the club's Greek initials, A.E.K.
Black shorts and black socks complete the full AEK Athens 26-27 away strip. The kit is now available for pre-order via the club's official online store.
Straight Nameset Confirmed for Manchester United 26-27 Third Kit
Following the release of the Manchester United 26-27 third kit, we wondered if the kit had straight or curved names. This has now been settled. The on-pitch appearance confirms that the names are applied in a straight horizontal alignment.
During the launch campaign by Adidas and Manchester United, one promotional photoshoot had Lisandro Martínez with a distinctive arch above the numbers - an error.
Schalke Manager Miron Muslić Wears New 26-27 Away Kit on Touchline
FC Schalke 04 head coach Miron Muslić made a unique style statement on the touchline by wearing the club's new 26-27 away shirt during their pre-season friendly against Atalanta at the VELTINS-Arena.
While his players took to the pitch in their traditional royal blue home jersey, the manager sported the popular retro-inspired white away kit, complete with the classic Adidas Trefoil and vintage club crest. The appearance provided an organic spotlight for the new release, which has enjoyed unprecedented commercial demand after selling 40,000 units in just two and a half hours alongside more than 20,000 additional pre-orders.
Vis Pesaro 1898 26-27 Home, Away & Third Kits Released
Italian Serie C side Vis Pesaro 1898 has officially launched its new kit collection for the 2026-27 season, produced once again in partnership with Macron. The launch also marks the debut of the club's new primary shirt sponsor, construction company Edilsir.
The Vis Pesaro 26-27 home kit stays true to the club's heritage, featuring the iconic red and white vertical stripes alongside a clean white round collar and matching sleeve trims. The Macron Hero logos and club crest are positioned on the chest, paired with classic styling that represents the identity of the Biancorossi.
Completing the lineup, the away shirt arrives on a clean white base highlighted by an abstract red marble pattern across the torso. The collection also includes an anthracite grey kit defined by an eye-catching white chevron across the midsection, subtle tonal textures across the chest, and refined dark trims.
Ternana Women 26-27 Home Kit Released
Newly promoted Serie A Women side Ternana have officially unveiled their home kit, becoming one of the very few women teams to have their own bespoke designs.
Made by Macron, the jersey put an interesting twist on the traditional green and red stripes, using one large central stripe and four smaller stripes around it, spreading out on the top. All of the stripes are outlined with yellow trims, matching with the logos and accents.
What do you think of the new Ternana Women 26-27 home kit by Macron? Let us know in the comments.
AEK Athens 26-27 Third Kit Released
AEK Athens have just unveiled their new 2026–27 third kit, featuring the iconic Dikéfalos (double-headed eagle) emblem on the left chest.
The kit has a simple design, with blue as the dominant color, while the collar and sleeve cuffs are black.
Nike has placed the Dikéfalos emblem on the left chest, the club’s symbol, instead of the full club crest.