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What is the nickname of the Italy squad?

Published in Italian Football Nickname 2 mins read

The Italy national football team is famously nicknamed gli Azzurri, which translates to The Blues.


Understanding gli Azzurri

The moniker "gli Azzurri" is directly derived from the traditional color of the national teams representing Italy across various sports. This distinctive blue hue, known as Savoy blue (azzurro Savoia), holds significant historical importance for the nation.

Origin of the Name

The choice of Savoy blue as the national color is deeply rooted in Italian history:

  • Royal Heritage: Savoy blue was the traditional color of the royal House of Savoy, the dynasty that reigned over the Kingdom of Italy from its unification in 1861 until 1946.
  • Symbol of Unity: After the unification of Italy, the color became a unifying symbol for the newly formed nation, transcending regional identities.
  • Sporting Tradition: When national sports teams were established, including the immensely popular football squad, adopting the traditional royal color was a natural choice, linking the team to the nation's regal past and its unified present.

This tradition solidifies the identity of the Italian squad, making their blue kits instantly recognizable on the international stage.

Nickname Meaning Origin of Color
gli Azzurri The Blues Savoy blue, the traditional color of the royal House of Savoy