Belonging issue two, Genoa Discovering the relationship between teams and cities through Kappa jerseys

The link between the shirt and the city has remained strong, even in the work of Kappa, who have skilfully created a perfect mix, in step with the times but remaining faithful to the centuries-old tradition of these colours. Michele Bitossi was also impressed by the work, as he took us for a photo session in the heart of his city: "The synergy between Genoa and Kappa is bearing excellent fruit, because in my opinion there is a clear desire to give free rein to creativity, bearing in mind the history of a glorious and important club like ours and the history of Genoa itself, of which we are the team." 

 

In fact, the designers of the Italian brand wanted to insert a map of the historic centre of Genoa, the largest in the world, on the front of the first and classic quarter-length shirt, drawn tone on tone. Beyond the tradition and historicity of the first jersey, for the past three years Genoa with Kappa has taken a very particular path, dedicating every season at least one jersey to the most recognizable symbols of the Maritime Republic. In 2019 there was the first one with the Cross of San Giorgio, in the previous season the gold and blue jersey was an explicit reference to the chromatic contrasts of Liguria, a region characterised by the sea, the sun and the gold of its buildings. This year, however, the dedication is even more special, as Kappa has linked the third jersey to the city's symbol, the Lanterna. A totally grey jersey inspired by the colour of the stones used to build the Lanterna, accompanied on the left side by a vertical band in a darker shade, with a design that stylises the slits on the facade and the fortifications that house the museum. It's an attention to the city's most recognisable landmarks that the fans have appreciated, happy to see shirts that celebrate their identity rather than fluorescent colours that are far removed from the team's aesthetic. Something confirmed by Michele before leaving us, still wearing the grey jersey, "this year's one, for me, is a small masterpiece and I'm really happy to have been chosen as testimonial wearing it."