There’s something special about Sampdoria shirts—whether it’s the pipe-smoking Baciccia mascot embroidered on the chest or the unmistakable red, white, and black bands wrapping around the players’ midriffs, I Blucerchiati have one of the most iconic kits in calcio. The 1995-96 season marked the club’s sixth year in partnership with Asics and the first to feature insurance company Nuova Tirrena as the main sponsor, replacing the long-standing ERG. The bold sponsor typeface made a statement across the chest, while the striped one-button collar added a touch of refinement.Under the guidance of Sven-Göran Eriksson, Sampdoria embraced an attacking philosophy, with Clarence Seedorf and Christian Karembeu in midfield and Enrico Chiesa in attack. The young striker enjoyed the most prolific season of his career, netting 22 goals in just 27 games, while club captain Roberto Mancini provided the flair and leadership that he became known for during his time at the Genoa club. Samp scored 59 league goals—more than every team except champions Milan and Lazio—yet defensive frailties meant they finished eighth, a season of beautiful chaos, embodied in a beautiful shirt.
The 1995-96 Asics Sampdoria Home Shirt is available now on Calcio Vintage.
