Lazio Jersey 1988-89

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Image Sources: SS Lazio Museum & Football Kit Archive

The 1988/89 season marked the end of an era for Lazio's partnership with Robe di Kappa.

Although the Turin-based sportswear giant would continue to play a significant role in Italian football, this was the final campaign in which the Biancocelesti wore one of the elegant wool-blend shirts that had become synonymous with the second half of the 1980s. Within twelve months, Umbro would arrive and usher in a completely new look.

For many supporters, however, the 1988/89 jersey remains one of the finest examples of classic Italian football design.

At first glance, the home shirt appeared almost identical to the one worn during the previous season, but several subtle changes distinguished it from its predecessor. The jersey retained the traditional brushed wool (lanetta rasata) fabric that had become a hallmark of Lazio's kits during the decade. Produced by the historic Maglificio Torinese, a company owned by the Robe di Kappa group, the shirt combined timeless styling with exceptional craftsmanship.

The colour was a soft, pale shade of celeste that gave the shirt an elegant and understated appearance. White cuffs and a matching white collar provided a clean contrast, while the club crest was presented as a large embroidered shield rather than a printed badge, giving the jersey a premium finish.

The embroidered Robe di Kappa logo appeared opposite the crest, while the long-serving sponsor Cassa di Risparmio di Roma was applied across the chest using a heat-pressed transfer. Every detail reflected the high manufacturing standards associated with Italian football shirts of the late 1980s.

One of the season's most interesting features concerned the match numbers.

Lazio actually used two different styles during the campaign. The standard numbering, employed for most league fixtures, followed the same design used by Juventus, with large white numerals machine-sewn onto the back of the shirt. However, on several occasions—including the unforgettable Derby della Capitale won 1-0 thanks to Paolo Di Canio's famous goal—the club reverted to the three-dimensional style of numbering introduced during the previous season.

There were also subtle differences between the match-worn shirts and those sold to supporters.

Interestingly, Robe di Kappa did not market the same brushed-wool jerseys worn by the players. Instead, fans could purchase lighter long-sleeved versions without numbers. The retail shirts also featured a red Kappa label inside the collar rather than the green label found on the players' shirts, while the embroidered technical logo differed slightly in colour and finish.

The away kit maintained continuity with previous campaigns.

Once again, Lazio wore a yellow change strip, although the material was updated. The acetate fabric used in earlier seasons was replaced by acrylic, while black Juventus-style numbers were stitched individually onto the back. The overall design remained simple and functional, complementing the elegance of the home shirt.

Another curiosity appeared with the short-sleeved home jersey introduced for the warmer months.

Although almost identical to the long-sleeved version, the embroidered club crest was noticeably denser, with darker and more pronounced celeste stripes. It was a small detail, but one that collectors have used ever since to distinguish the two versions.

Sources

SS Lazio Museum