This Sunday, Italy will clash with France in the Six Nations at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, but not in their usual blue. Instead, they'll sport red jerseys, stepping away from their traditional color due to both teams normally wearing blue. This year, the Italians are paying homage to Giuseppe Garibaldi, a key figure in Italy's unification, by donning red - a nod to the color worn by Garibaldi's followers, famously known as the 'redshirts'. This match is not just a regular fixture; it’s also a battle for the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy, deepening the historical ties to the iconic Italian.
The unveiling of this special kit took place at Quarto dei Mille, near Genoa, the launching point of Garibaldi’s pivotal "Expedition of the Thousand" in 1860. The jerseys are not just striking in color; they feature a polo collar with golden details, and the inner collar tape also in gold, bearing the stirring words, ‘QUI SI FA L’ITALIA O SI MUORE!’ (Here we make Italy, or we die!), famously attributed to Garibaldi during the Battle of Calatafimi.
"The shirt features a polo collar with golden detailing, while the inner collar tape is also gold and displays the phrase ‘QUI SI FA L’ITALIA O SI MUORE!’" - Macron and Italy Rugby.
Traditionally, rugby etiquette dictated the home team would switch jerseys in the event of a color clash, a practice dating back over a century to accommodate touring teams. However, since 2024, the Six Nations has followed soccer's lead, requiring the visiting team to wear an alternate kit to simplify for casual fans and aid those with color blindness - a condition affecting around 300 million people globally.
The roof debate added an extra layer of drama to the upcoming game. Despite Italy's preference for an open stadium, to play "more natural" as Italian coach Gonzalo Quesada put it, an intense negotiation ended with the decision to keep the roof closed at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, following forecasts of adverse weather. Jean-Marc Lhermet of the French Rugby Federation highlighted the intense discussions that led to this decision.
"The rules aren’t entirely clear," Lhermet admitted in Le Figaro, adding, "There was a three-way discussion... after several stages, the Italian federation finally gave its agreement, admitting that it was better this way."
As the teams prepare for this historic and intense matchup, all eyes will be on how Italy, in their striking red kits, will fare against the formidable French team under the closed roof of Stade Pierre-Mauroy. This game promises not just a sporting spectacle but a cultural commemoration, blending the rich histories of both nations on the rugby field.
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This Sunday, Italy will clash with France in the Six Nations at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, but not in their usual blue. Instead, they'll sport red jerseys, stepping away from their traditional color due to both teams normally wearing blue. This year, the Italians are paying homage to Giuseppe Garibaldi, a key figure in Italy's unification, by donning red - a nod to the color worn by Garibaldi's followers, famously known as the 'redshirts'. This match is not just a regular fixture; it’s also a battle for the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy, deepening the historical ties to the iconic Italian.
The unveiling of this special kit took place at Quarto dei Mille, near Genoa, the launching point of Garibaldi’s pivotal "Expedition of the Thousand" in 1860. The jerseys are not just striking in color; they feature a polo collar with golden details, and the inner collar tape also in gold, bearing the stirring words, ‘QUI SI FA L’ITALIA O SI MUORE!’ (Here we make Italy, or we die!), famously attributed to Garibaldi during the Battle of Calatafimi.
"The shirt features a polo collar with golden detailing, while the inner collar tape is also gold and displays the phrase ‘QUI SI FA L’ITALIA O SI MUORE!’" - Macron and Italy Rugby.
Traditionally, rugby etiquette dictated the home team would switch jerseys in the event of a color clash, a practice dating back over a century to accommodate touring teams. However, since 2024, the Six Nations has followed soccer's lead, requiring the visiting team to wear an alternate kit to simplify for casual fans and aid those with color blindness - a condition affecting around 300 million people globally.
The roof debate added an extra layer of drama to the upcoming game. Despite Italy's preference for an open stadium, to play "more natural" as Italian coach Gonzalo Quesada put it, an intense negotiation ended with the decision to keep the roof closed at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, following forecasts of adverse weather. Jean-Marc Lhermet of the French Rugby Federation highlighted the intense discussions that led to this decision.
"The rules aren’t entirely clear," Lhermet admitted in Le Figaro, adding, "There was a three-way discussion... after several stages, the Italian federation finally gave its agreement, admitting that it was better this way."
As the teams prepare for this historic and intense matchup, all eyes will be on how Italy, in their striking red kits, will fare against the formidable French team under the closed roof of Stade Pierre-Mauroy. This game promises not just a sporting spectacle but a cultural commemoration, blending the rich histories of both nations on the rugby field.