The Story Behind the Retro Lazio Jersey From an iconic eagle symbol to their signature light blue and white colours, the retro Lazio jersey is a memorable symbol of the rich history of Società Sportiva Lazio, or Lazio as the club is more commonly known. One of Italy’s most successful football clubs, Lazio has had […]
From an iconic eagle symbol to their signature light blue and white colours, the retro Lazio jersey is a memorable symbol of the rich history of Società Sportiva Lazio, or Lazio as the club is more commonly known. One of Italy’s most successful football clubs, Lazio has had a long and storied past since its foundation in 1900. Graced by the talents of several legendary players, the club has woven its way into Italian football culture through its unique identity and a relentless passion for the game.
Founded on January 9th, 1900, by a group of nine young Roman men, Lazio is the oldest existing Roman football club, even predating its eternal rival, A.S. Roma. Named after the Italian region Lazio, the club quickly gained prominence in the Italian football scene, eventually becoming a founding member of the Italian Football Federation in 1910. Lazio’s first taste of success came in the form of a Coppa Italia win in 1958, followed by another domestic cup victory in 1969.
Lazio’s iconic jersey colours – light blue and white – are rooted in the club’s heritage. The decision to adopt these colours was inspired by Greece, which represented a land of ancient Olympic ideals and athleticism. The light blue hue, in particular, was based on the azure blue skies of Greece, while white represented innocence and purity.
The retro Lazio jersey is marked by its simplicity and elegance – a light blue shirt with a white collar and sleeve cuffs, and white shorts and socks. The club’s emblem, a golden eagle on a blue and white shield, pronouncing the club’s motto – “La Prima Squadra della Capitale,” meaning “The First Team of the Capital” – adorns the jersey. The symbolic eagle, inspired by military standards in ancient Roman history, evokes pride, strength, and unity for Lazio supporters.
Over the years, various iterations of the Lazio jersey have been released, most notably in the 1980s, when English sportswear company Umbro took over kit production. They implemented a unique design where the eagle spread its wings across the chest of the shirt. However, the classic retro Lazio jersey, featuring the simple light blue and white colours and the traditional eagle shield, remains an enduring symbol of the club’s identity.
Lazio shares Rome’s Stadio Olimpico with fierce rivals A.S. Roma, having played its home games there since the stadium’s inauguration in 1953. Originally built in 1932 by Italian architect Enrico Del Debbio as Stadio dei Cipressi, the stadium underwent significant renovations for the 1960 Summer Olympics and was renamed Stadio Olimpico.
With a seating capacity of over 70,000 and heralded as Italy’s second-largest stadium, Stadio Olimpico has borne witness to numerous iconic Lazio moments. The sight of Lazio’s passionate and dedicated fanbase, affectionately known as the Biancocelesti, clad in their light blue and white jerseys, serves as a reminder of the club’s long history and the powerful bond they share with their supporters.
Throughout its storied history, Lazio has been graced by some of the most talented and celebrated footballers in Italian history. These players, who donned the retro Lazio jersey, etched their names into the annals of football greatness and contributed significantly to the club’s triumphs.
1. Giorgio Chinaglia: A celebrated striker, known for his incredible scoring prowess, Chinaglia spent seven seasons with Lazio between 1969-1976. His 98 league goals played a crucial role in Lazio’s first-ever Serie A title win in the 1973-74 season.
2. Bruno Giordano: Another gifted forward, Giordano’s 12-year spell at Lazio from 1975-1987 saw him score 78 league goals. His dedication and skill earned him the Serie A top scorer award in the 1978-79 season.
3. Paolo Negro: A talented right-back, Negro spent 13 seasons with Lazio between 1993-2005. A key figure in the Lazio side that secured the Scudetto, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1999-2000 season, he represented the pinnacle of the club’s late-90s success.
4. Alessandro Nesta: Regarded as one of the best centre-backs in football history, Nesta began his career at Lazio and spent nine seasons with the club from 1993-2002. Winning numerous trophies, including the Serie A title and Coppa Italia, Nesta’s defensive brilliance has solidified his legacy as a Lazio legend.
The retro Lazio jersey is a beautiful and emblematic representation of this cherished Italian football club’s long and storied history, illustrious players, and passionate supporters. As they continue to strive for success in the competitive world of football, their legacy will endure, both on and off the pitch.
