Remarkable Evolution: How Napoli's EA7 Kits Transformed From 2021 to 2026
Aug 12, 2026, by Chris
- Initial Poor Quality & Subsequent Transformation: Napoli's EA7 kits began in the 2021-22 season with a rushed, unsophisticated design but have since undergone a remarkable transformation to a sophisticated aesthetic by the 2026-27 season.
- Key Factors in Design Improvement: The significant improvement in kit design was driven by simplified sponsorship, specifically replacing cluttered sponsors with a clean, color-matched MSC logo, and a shift towards bespoke tailoring with intricate details like jacquard fabrics and refined trims.
- Evolved Design Philosophy and Collection Structure: The 26-27 kit collection showcases a diverse design philosophy, with each kit having a unique style (simple home, modern away, retro third), and a streamlined release strategy focusing on three main shirts plus one special edition.
When SSC Napoli first partnered with Emporio Armani's EA7 division ahead of the 2021-22 season, it was not a sophisticated aesthetic. Rushed into production, the initial collection suffered from basic cuts, cluttered accents, and the bright red Lete sponsor box that dominated the front of the jersey. Fast forward to the 26-27 season, and a direct comparison between the debut launch and the latest lineup highlights one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent kit design.
From Cheap-Looking Kits to Lovely Tailored Aesthetics
The turning point for Napoli's kits came through simplified sponsorship and a shift toward bespoke tailoring. Replacing the distracting multi-sponsor layout with a clean, color-matched MSC logo allowed EA7's underlying graphics to take center stage. Rather than relying on a single cheap template, the manufacturer began incorporating subtle jacquard fabrics, retro-inspired collar constructions, and refined trim detailing.
This design philosophy is fully realized in the 26-27 kit collection. There is neither a single template nor a single design direction - the home kit is kept simple yet stylish with a special 100th anniversary crest, the away is modern with pinstripes and a unique crest, while the third takes us back to the 1980s with a special inverted logo placement.
Gone is also the countless number of kit releases - instead, Napoli and EA7 focus on three main shirts plus a single special-edition release.
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Japan U20 Debuts All-White Away Kit Variant
The all-white variation of Japan's away kit made its official debut during Japan U20's dominant 8-0 victory over Cambodia U20 in the U20 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Previously, Japan premiered the original ensemble (black shorts and white socks) in a friendly match against Scotland, followed by an all-black shorts and socks variant during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash with Brazil.
Leicester City 26-27 Away Retro Collection Released
Expanding on their retro-inspired aesthetic for the season, Leicester City and Adidas have officially dropped a new lifestyle apparel collection under the Adidas Originals banner. Following the popular launch of their Trefoil away shirt earlier this summer, the latest range focuses on timeless club heritage infused with classic Three Stripes street style.
The standout piece of the collection is a royal blue long-sleeve jersey adorned with an intricate all-over diagonal jacquard pattern. Much like the 26-27 away kit, the piece prominently features the iconic Adidas Trefoil alongside Leicester's nostalgic 'Running Fox' crest, which famously adorned the club's shirts until 1992. Matching royal blue three stripes run down the shoulders and sleeves to complete the vintage look.
Alongside the long-sleeve shirt, the collection includes an archival blue t-shirt with a bold white chest stripe, classic track jackets, hoodies, and matching track pants. The full Leicester City x Adidas Originals range is available now at the club's official online store and the Foxes Fanstore at King Power Stadium.
QPR to Wear Blackout Third Kit at Home
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that they will step away from their traditional blue and white hoops for their upcoming home fixture, wearing their 26-27 blackout third kit instead when they host Middlesbrough. The club stated that the team will sport the alternative strip at home for one match only.
The one-off switch is tied to a community initiative organized in partnership with principal shirt sponsor MrQ and charity partner KitAid. Under the campaign, supporters attending the match are encouraged to trade in their old football shirts in exchange for a complimentary blackout shirt, with the donated kits distributed to disadvantaged communities across the globe.
Crafted by Italian brand Erreà, the stealthy 26-27 third strip features tonal dark hoops accompanied by subdued, murdered-out club crest and sponsor details.
Chievo Verona 26-27 Away Kit Released
Italian Serie D side AC Chievo Verona and technical sponsor EVOL have officially unveiled the club's new away kit for the 26-27 campaign. Following the release of their classic gialloblù home shirt late last month, the newly revealed alternate strip introduces an artistic look built on a white base.
The EVOL Chievo Verona 26-27 away jersey features a white foundation accented by a bold, cracked-effect blue vertical stripe running down the center of the chest and echoed along the tops of the sleeves. Across the bottom hem, a tonal line illustration depicts the local Diga del Chievo weir, anchoring the shirt to the club's neighborhood roots. Fine yellow and blue trim outlines the collar and cuffs, with "Chievo Verona 1929" inscribed on the back of the neck and on the sleeve edges.
The design is completed with the club's crest over the heart, blue EVOL branding, and main sponsor Vitanuova printed across the front. The new away uniform is available directly through the club's official channels ahead of the 26-27 Serie D season.