Italy’s World Cup glory of 1982 is one of the fairytale stories of World Cup history. Italy were hardly tournament favourites, given the prowess of Diego Maradona with Argentina, as well as a fearsome Brazil side featuring the likes of Sócrates, Zico, Falcão and more. Italy’s victory was built upon an impenetrable defence and a swift counter-attack, led by their talisman Paulo Rossi, and the tireless Bruno Conti. These facets were best utilised during Italy‘s defeat of Brazil. Italy’s 3-2 victory over the Brazilians is widely considered as one of the greatest matches in World Cup history, both for its dazzling attacking and its rigid defending. The 1982 World Cup victory was the third in Italy’s history, but the first in 44 years, as well as the first that did not occur during the 1930s. The below kit is a match-worn kit from Italy’s historic victory over Brazil.
Worn by electric winger Bruno Conti, this retro kit has a truly iconic theme to it. The high and wide collar with the detailed Italian colouring, as well as the traditionally stitched badge make for a true beauty lost in time. This kit was eventually bought for £19,000, far beyond originally expected prices closer to £2000, and goes to show not only the value and significance of the 1982 World Cup, but the importance of this Italian side to fans even today.
