Lazio 115 Years 'Eagle Shirt'

Posted on 27/05/15

Tradition in football is rife, with clubs celebrating landmarks left, right and centre at the moment. Of course, we are now over-lapping the majority of the elite established club's centenaries.
This is no different over in Italy, where giants Lazio are marking their 115th anniversary. Formed in 1900, 'Biancocelesti' have been one of the front-runners in the country, clinching the top tier title twice, the latest coming in 2000, when the club celebrated their 100th anniversary.
This season, in their 115th, they replicate their famous eagle designed shirt of the 1986/87 season. Not only a beautiful design, but one steeped in history and incredibly popular since the club unveiled the new shirt in January.
In a rarity, the club didn't begin the season donning the eagle. However, as soon as we were ripping down last years calendar, the club were quick to unveil it, with huge pride from those who made it happen.
They of course aren't the first club to go back to previous designs, with just this season in the UK, Derby County used their classic kit design of the late 60's, replicating that of Brian Clough's successful league winning side. In addition, Portsmouth have also led the way in the historical kit game. This year they wore a kit similar to that of the 1914 season. This was all incorporated with the last kit played in before the breakout of the First World War. It also has the names of the 'Pompey Pals' who passed away during the war water printed on to it.
Perhaps now not as big as they once were, Lazio have been winning trophies on a regular basis since the 1950's. On top of the two Serie A titles, they have flourished in the Coppa Italia, with their name on the cup no less than six times, including their win two years ago over their bitter city rivals Roma.
No matter how much they love their home comforts, they have also conquered in Europe. Their Uefa European Cup Winners Cup win in 1999 saw their first taste of victory on foreign soil. A few months later they would meet Manchester United in the European Super Cup, the same United who beat Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou in the Champions League Final. It would be a tough test, but the Italians' feel good factor continued and they would win on the day, the likes of David Beckham, Andy Cole and Ryan Giggs couldn't stop them.
Macron's design is also one that has brought good luck, having finished 9th the previous year, they recently sealed their place in the top four, and will be at least playing in the Champions League next year, among the elite in Europe.
With this rich history, it was all put into the shirt, it radiates the heart and soul of Lazio, and Italian football in general. If you have a keen eye for a smart, different and memorable shirt, this is the one for you.