How Notts County Inspired Juventus

You wouldn’t think that Notts County would ever be linked with a team like Juventus, but in reality, the respects are to be paid in the opposite direction!

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The Notts County x Juventus Story

In the rich tapestry of football history, certain stories weave together the threads of tradition and inspiration. One such tale involves the iconic Italian football club Juventus and the lesser-known English side Notts County. The story revolves around the origins of Juventus’ black and white striped kit, a design that has become synonymous with the Turin giants.

In this article, we delve into the fascinating narrative of Juventus taking their colors from Notts County, uncovering a connection that spans across borders and generations.

It’s a really weird story, so strap yourself in!

The Birth of Juventus

The club was founded in 1897 in Turin, Italy, by a group of young students. As they embarked on the journey to establish a football club, they faced a crucial decision – the choice of colors that would come to define their identity on the pitch.

Inspiration struck when one of the founding members, Englishman John Savage, suggested that Juventus adopt the black and white stripes of Notts County, a club he held in high regard.

Notts County, based in Nottingham, England, had become the oldest professional football club in the world, having been founded in 1862. Technically the oldest Football League club until recent years where perils at higher level brought them out of the 92 clubs for the first time in their proud history.

Juventus 1997 Centenary 🇮🇹

Worn once in a commemorative centenary match against Newcastle, pink was Juve's colour until 1903 when they got frustrated with colour washing out.

They looked to England for durability, a set of Notts County shirts were ordered. The rest is history. pic.twitter.com/gCVjLG9YKX
— Classic Football Shirts (@classicshirts) October 22, 2022

The connection between the two clubs was forged, and the black and white stripes would soon adorn the jerseys of Juventus, setting the stage for a unique footballing legacy.

Notts County: The Stripes Connoisseurs

Notts County, recognized for their contribution to the early development of football, played a pivotal role in popularizing the striped kit design.

In the late 19th century, football attire was far from standardized, and teams often wore a mishmash of colors. Notts County, seeking a distinctive and recognisable look, opted for black and white stripes.

A decision which didn’t go down to well with the powers at be around that time.

This bold choice made Notts County stand out on the field, and their striped design became iconic. Little did they know that this decision would reverberate across time and space, influencing the visual identity of one of Italy’s most successful football clubs.

The Mutual Respect

Juventus’ decision to adopt Notts County’s colors wasn’t just a fashion choice – it was a gesture of homage and respect. In the world of football, where traditions run deep, the acknowledgment of Notts County’s influence became an integral part of Juventus’ identity.

The stripes represented more than just a visual aesthetic; they carried the weight of football history and the camaraderie between two clubs separated by distance but connected through their shared love for the beautiful game.

Classic Pre-Season Games

Juventus 1-1 Notts County // 2011

Notts County were invited to Turin to inaugurate Juventus' new stadium due to a 108-year link between the clubs – since Juve decided to adopt the black and white shirts worn by County. pic.twitter.com/ILcEZFyU2y
— Classic Football Shirts (@classicshirts) July 16, 2022

Over the years, as both clubs continued their respective journeys, the bond between Juventus and Notts County persisted. When Juventus celebrated their 120th anniversary in 2017, they invited Notts County to join the festivities, reinforcing the enduring connection between the two clubs.

The English club, touched by the invitation, reciprocated with gratitude and shared memories that transcended the boundaries of time. I bet they still talk about it in the County clubhouse today!

The Legacy Continues

Today, Juventus’ black and white striped jersey is instantly recognizable to football fans worldwide.

As both clubs continue their journeys – Notts County in the English lower leagues and Juventus on the grand stages of European football – the black and white stripes stand as a testament to the enduring power of inspiration and tradition in the beautiful game.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🤝🇮🇹 In 1903, Notts County provided Juventus with kits as the Italian club had nothing the play in.

116 years later, Juventus have offered to help #NottsCounty with a new kit as they struggle financially. pic.twitter.com/xQ4s9Yjfpc
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) July 28, 2019

Even as recently within the last decade, the reciprocity of this connection remains steadfast. With Juve helping Notts County when they hit financial troubles around the production of their kit as they left the English Football League 116 years after they themselves inspired the Turin giants to choose a strip.

Summary

This tale is more than a footnote in the annals of football – it is a testament to the interconnectedness of clubs, the enduring influence of tradition, and the respect that binds football enthusiasts across generations.

As fans witness Juventus don their iconic black and white stripes, they are not just witnessing a visual spectacle; they are witnessing the continuation of a story that began over a century ago on the green fields of England.

Friendlies still continue between these clubs to respect this tradition most years.

And I hope that never ends!

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Were you aware of this Notts County x Juventus connection?