Italy's national sports teams play in blue, a distinctive tradition that dates back to the country's pre-republican era. This choice of color is a direct tribute to the Royal House of Savoy, which ruled the Kingdom of Italy.
The Historical Roots of Italy's Blue Jersey
The custom of Italian sports teams wearing blue shirts, rather than the green, white, and red of the national flag, originated from a deep historical connection:
- Royal Connection: Blue was the official color of the Royal House of Savoy, the monarchy that unified Italy and ruled until 1946. This shade of blue was prominent in their regalia, flags, and insignia.
- Symbol of Monarchy: When national sports teams began to form in Italy, particularly the football team famously known as the Azzurri (meaning "The Blues"), adopting the royal blue color was a way to symbolize national unity and allegiance to the reigning monarchy.
- Enduring Legacy: Even after Italy transitioned from a monarchy to a republic in 1946, the tradition of wearing blue for national sports teams endured. It remains a powerful symbol of Italian athletic identity and a unique homage to a significant period in the nation's history.
This long-standing tradition ensures that Italian teams stand out, carrying forward a legacy that predates the modern republican flag.
