The transformation of the Inter kit

When there’s nothing else to write about, fans can look at some of the most simplistic things in the world of football.

Today, we take a look at the history and/or transformation of the Inter Milan kit.

The jersey is what makes you stand out, no matter the sport. Within football, we’ve witnessed several kits that label teams’ identities and show who they are. They stand by their colors and play for the logo they unite for.

Who recognizes Barcelona without their famous burgundy and blue stripes that match perfectly with their sponsor? How about Manchester City with the powder blue kits that shine when they hit the pitch? I’ll admit the love I have for Porto’s continuous array of sublime kits, including their well designed alternate uniforms season after season.

The same can be said about the Nerazzurri. The black and blue has been with Inter throughout the course of the club’s history. Championships have been won, records have been shattered, and legends have played wearing the serpent stripes.

We can now take a look at the good, decent and ugly of Inter’s kit history and build up the hype of what will hopefully be the concept for next season.

The Decent: 1998/99 Home Kit

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Just a couple seasons after Pirelli took over the front of Inter’s shirt, Nike designed the home kit for the first time after they took over Umbro.

The kit displayed the obviously crisp black and blue stripes vertically down the kit. The Nike logo is featured in the top right (player POV), while the Inter logo is patched in the top left. The shorts stayed black with a thin blue line down the side.

The uniform lasted through three coaches while managing to make the semi finals of the Champions League in 2002/03, before being knocked out by Mil... I’m not going to say it. Of course, the brilliant player in Ronaldo featured in this design.

It’s not like the kit is bad, it just seems rather generic. Inter followed this trend of generic for many years to come. Some can say it still lasts today, but we’ll let that be debated.

The Ugly: 1991/92 Third Shirt

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Fiorucci was the official kit sponsor from 1992 to 95’. The concept slapped some yellow mixed with blue, through the FitGar logo in the center, and a catastrophe was born.

The kit features a mixture of a light blue, black and yellow checkerboard style design that revolves around the Umbro logo. The Inter design sits alone to the left, and FitGar sits in the middle with black surrounding it.

Personally, this kit gives me nightmares looking at it. Apparently the same reaction was felt with the players. Internazionale finished 8th in the Serie A table and got knocked out in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia by Juventus. Inter also had a quick “hi” and “bye” in the UEFA Cup by getting knocked out in the first stage.

Bad luck for an overall less than impressive jersey.

The Good: 2010/11 Away Kit

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Inter took notes when designing their good-looking away kit this season when looking back on this one.

Just a year after capturing Champions League glory, Inter improved their swag with a fresh new away kit. The crisp white based jersey featured the black Pirelli logo in the center, with a sharp blue Nike logo to pair with the prestigious Inter logo. The serpent/dragon that slithers down the left side of the kit reflects the fear opponents have when facing the Nerazzurri.

Eto’o shined in this kit, while Rafa Benitez continued his long list of manager positions. Inter had a good showing in the FIFA World Club Cup that season as Benitez found himself replaced by Leonardo.

The Best

A couple of days ago, Illustrator Alberto Marini designed a new concept for the Inter shirt. The picture may say the 2017/18 season, but Inter’s shirt designers might have to take a look at this one for next season.

The kit was inspired by none other than 2010/11 Away Kit that featured the snake on it. Instead of the serpent/dragon/snake being printed on the jersey, the fierce logo fades into the back-center of the kit.

Marini did red, white and two home kits. Take a look at them here, and admire the concept while you’re at it.

Do you approve? Should Inter feature this next season? Do you have a better concept? Let us know in the comments below.