“Crank.” The crowbar lodged into the lid of a wooden box.
“Crank” again. The wood creaked as iron forced its way in.
The sounds of scraping and splintering echoed around the small group of men, their anticipation rising with each movement.
Then—a heavy thud—the lid finally gave way. Two men stepped forward, carefully lifting the top off the crate. A hand reached in and drew out fabric. A long-sleeved shirt. Black and white stripes.
“Bellissima!” one shouted with a grin.
The others gathered around, each pulling out their own matching shirt.
“Bella!”
“Perfetta!”
Excitement filled the room.
This was Turin, Italy, 1903, and the men were players of the young Juventus Football Club. What they held in their hands would become legendary: the first set of black and white striped kits that would define the club for generations to come.
But who sent them—and why?
From Pink to Prestige
When Juventus was founded in 1897, their first kits were a far cry from today’s iconic stripes—they wore pink. But by the early 1900s, the shirts had faded quickly in the wash, and the club sought something sturdier, more elegant.
Enter John Savage, an Englishman playing for Juventus. With connections back home, he wrote to a friend in England asking for new kits—something distinctive. That friend happened to be connected to Notts County, the oldest professional football club in the world, founded in 1862. A set of Notts County’s black-and-white striped shirts was sent across Europe—and history was made.
What began as a practical switch turned into a defining part of Juventus’ identity. The bold stripes symbolized ambition, class, and a professional edge—the perfect fit for a club with big aspirations.
Two Clubs, Two Paths
Since adopting the stripes, Juventus have grown into one of football’s most successful and recognizable names. La Vecchia Signora (“The Old Lady”) has amassed dozens of Serie A titles, European silverware, and an international following.
Notts County, meanwhile, took a very different road. Once pioneers of the professional game, they’ve faced relegation battles and financial difficulties, even dropping into non-league football in recent years. But despite the contrast in fortunes, the bond between the two clubs has never been forgotten.
A Moment of Tribute
In 2011, Juventus opened their brand-new Allianz Stadium—a sleek, modern fortress in Turin. To mark the occasion, they extended an invitation to a very special guest: Notts County.
The match was a celebration of history and friendship. It ended in a 1–1 draw, a poetic result that honored both clubs equally. For one night, the giants of Italy and the underdogs of England stood side by side—not as competitors, but as old friends.
A Legacy Woven in Fabric
To this day, every time Juventus step onto the pitch in their striped shirts, they carry with them a piece of Nottingham’s football heritage. What started with a humble crate and a chance connection has become one of the most iconic looks in the game.
For Notts County, their contribution to football's global tapestry remains a point of pride. And for Juventus, their legendary kit is more than just a look—it's a symbol of legacy, identity, and the beautiful game’s enduring ability to unite.