Italy Ban No. 88 Football Shirts
Jun 27, 2023, by Chris
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has announced that the government will prohibit football players from wearing the number 88 jersey due to its association with neo-Nazi symbolism. The number 88 is used by extremist groups to represent the Heil Hitler salute, as the letter "H" is the eighth letter of the alphabet.
In March 2023, a Lazio fan from Germany was seen wearing a jersey bearing the name "Hitlerson" and the number "88". This incident contributed to the decision to implement a ban on the use of the number 88.
Italian Government Bans Number 88 Jersey in Football Due to Neo-Nazi Symbolism
As a result of this ban, four Serie A players will be affected, including Toma Basic from Lazio and Mateusz Praszelik from Verona, both of whom are from Croatia and Poland, respectively. Ario Pasalic from Atalanta is another player currently wearing the number 88. Tomas Rincon from Sampdoria already switched to the number 8 for the 22-23 season.
Serie A Players from Lazio and Verona affected by the Decision
The decision was made as part of a broader declaration of intent to combat anti-Semitism, signed at the Viminale with the world of soccer. The code of ethics for football clubs will also incorporate the international definition of anti-Semitism, prohibiting the use of symbols associated with Nazism by fans and emphasizing non-discriminatory language in public events. Proactive measures by clubs in addressing discrimination will be positively evaluated.
This move by the Italian government aims to foster inclusivity and combat hate symbols within the sport, aligning with international efforts to promote tolerance and respect.
During his time playing for Parma, Buffon caused controversy when he chose the number 88 for his shirt, which some believed referenced HH or Heil Hitler. Prior to this, he had worn a shirt with the slogan "Boia chi molla", a phrase favored by fascists during Mussolini's reign. Buffon is now wearing the number 1 kit, while he switched to the number 77 previously.
Should other leagues follow? Let us know in the comments below.
Inter Milan Announces BBVA as New Sleeve Sponsor
Inter Milan have officially announced a multi-year partnership with Spanish banking giant BBVA, who becomes the club's new Official Sleeve Partner. The BBVA logo will appear on the sleeve of the men's and women's first-team kits starting in the 26-27 season, as well as on the U23, U20, and Inter Legends shirts.
In addition to the sleeve presence for senior teams, BBVA will serve as the main front-of-shirt partner for Inter's youth academy teams from the U18 level down. The new deal replaces the club's previous sleeve agreement with Gate.io. Visually, the BBVA logo is styled in bright yellow on Inter's 26-27 home kit, perfectly matching the yellow accents of the Nike Swoosh, club crest stars, and main sponsor Betsson.sport.
Napoli Debut 26-27 Centenary Home Kit On Pitch
Napoli have officially debuted their special centenary home kit for the 26-27 season during pre-season action. Designed by EA7 to celebrate the Italian club's 100th anniversary (1926-2026), the jersey makes its first on-pitch appearance featuring classic design cues inspired by Napoli's rich footballing heritage.
The 26-27 home shirt arrives in a unique Centenary Blue shade, drawing direct inspiration from the lightweight wool-textured kits worn during the club's historic first Scudetto triumph in the 1980s. Key elements include a classic polo collar with a V-neckline and Partenopei lettering on the rear neck.
Lyon 26-27 Third Kit Leaked - Launch Pictures
@KamilBerberler has just leaked the launch images of Lyon's new 2026-27 third kit ahead of its official release.
The kit features a design inspired by spinning vinyl records and flowing lines, capturing the energy and rhythm of funk music.
OFI Crete 26-27 Fourth Kit Released
Puma and Greek club OFI Crete have revealed the club's new fourth kit for the 26-27 season. The jersey introduces a sleek, stealth-inspired aesthetic designed for the Cretan side.
The OFI Crete 26-27 fourth shirt features an all-black base complemented by metallic silver logos. Notably, the kit replaces the traditional club badge on the left chest with a prominent griffin emblem. The Puma logo and main sponsor Betsson are also rendered in matching silver across the front.
Custom detailing highlights the club's regional identity, with the inner neck featuring an outlined map of Crete alongside the Greek text ENA NHΣI - MIA OMAΔA (One Island - One Team). Matching silver accents on the sleeves and an official authentic product tag complete the clean look.
1. FC Köln 26-27 Away Kit Revealed
Köln officially launched its new 26-27 away kit by Adidas last evening, completing the club's jersey lineup for the upcoming season. Following the earlier releases of the white home kit and navy third shirt, the new away strip celebrates the city's iconic "Rut un Wiess" (red and white) colors with a vintage-inspired red base and subtle white pinstripes. The jersey is officially available starting later today, July 28, through the club's official online shop and fan stores. Thanks to our partner Insider Müngersdorf for the product images.
