adidas and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have finally released their first joint project since 1974, with the newly released Azzurri and Azzurre kits not disappointing.

To mark this historical moment, adidas and FIGC launched the campaign “The Search – La Ricerca”, a symbolic journey through the Italian identity traits, aimed to enhance Italian football history and the identity of the country - encompassing the past, present and future - thanks to a series of cameos by Italian football stars Donnarumma, Rosucci, Del Piero and artist Blanco.

The collection’s design has been inspired by marble, and natural, geographical and cultural elements that represent the whole of Italy. Marble in particular, present in sculpture, monuments and architecture throughout the Italian Peninsula over centuries.

The Home kit, which boasts a blue colour base - as per tradition - sees marble elements stitched into the fabric of the jersey. The manual work associated with the design and creation of the new kit, combines traditional craftsmanship of raw materials and highly innovative techniques.

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As well as the newly created, exclusive base pattern, there are other references to Italian culture such as the Tricolour details delicately placed on the jersey’s shoulders: an elegant borderline has been added to each of the brand’s iconic Three Stripes in order to recreate the colours of the Italian flag - found on the sides and edging of the jersey also.

To complete the new Home kit, the word ‘Italia’ can be found on the back of the jersey’s collar, with the bespoke typography reflective of Roman engravings. The same design will be used in both the lettering of players’ names and numbering of the jerseys.

Also strongly inspired by marble, the Away kit makes a bold return courtesy of the base’s light shade of ‘off-white’, a clear reference to the raw material that distinguishes the whole kit, embellished with gold and navy blue ‘veining’ - an effect often referred to as 'marbling'.

Both kits are created using the best adidas innovations, with materials allowing athletes to feel comfortable thanks to HEAT.DRY technology, optimized to provide players with maximum comfort and breathability during sports performance. The jerseys are made from 100% recycled materials.

The wider range complements both strips with pieces including an anthem jacket, created in a unique double-sided design, and warm-up products that share the marble aesthetic in a colour palette that connects to the Italian Tricolour.

The collection is available via www.adidas.co.uk/italy and the adidas app, as well as in stores and selected authorised retailers.

Take a closer look at the collection below.