The Azzurri Legacy: Italy's Affinity for Blue in Sports and History
Italy's tricolour flag showcases red, white, and green in horizontal blocks, but when it comes to sports, the country's main jersey color is blue. Italian athletes and teams at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games are donning predominantly blue jerseys adorned with the nation's crest. The history behind Italy's affinity for blue dates back to the House of Savoy, a royal dynasty that ruled the country from 1861 to 1946. The house's color, Savoy azure, was a shade of blue and served as the national color during the time of unification. Even after Italy transitioned away from monarchy, the color blue remained as a tribute to the king who unified the nation. The term "Azzurri" in Italian translates to blue, hence the common nickname for many Italian national teams as "the Blues." The Italian national soccer team is particularly associated with the color blue, with their home kit predominantly featuring this hue, while their away kits often incorporate white designs. The 2026 Games are being hosted in Milan-Cortina, two cities located in the northern region of Italy. Italy's deep-rooted connection to the color blue is evident both on and off the sports field, reflecting a rich historical legacy that continues to be celebrated today.