In the midst of a battle atop the Serie A table, we pit the storied kit histories of Inter Milan and Napoli against each other.
As we near the end of the 2024-25 season, all eyes are on the title races around the world.
The UEFA Champions League is near its conclusion, with UCL betting reaching all-time highs as the quarterfinalists duke it out for a spot in the final four.
Club football’s most prestigious competition might be dominating the headlines, but if we look to Italy, Serie A is currently locked in one of the most exciting title races in the world. Only three points separate Napoli and Inter at the top of the table, with the Nerazzurri in the driving position for the Scudetto.
Off the pitch, though, both teams have a great reputation for wonderful kits, so to celebrate their thrilling race for the Serie A trophy we’re putting them to the test in a kit battle.
The aim of the game is simple: pick five of the most iconic kits from each team, debate them and crown the winner. And that’s the real trophy. At the end of the day, what would you rather win: an Urban Pitch kit battle or the Serie A title? You can decide that for yourselves…
Napoli 1988-89 Home
We’re going back to the Diego Maradona years straight away. This is the kit with the iconic ‘Mars’ sponsor from when Napoli won the UEFA Cup during their best-ever period. It’s a beautiful shirt made by Nicola Raccuglia, the legendary Italian brand famous for its knitted cotton shirts. This shirt is a superb part of Napoli’s kit portfolio and a strong start for the Partenopei.
Inter 1993-94 Home
An absolute classic. The Umbro design, the Fiorucci sponsor, and the hint of metallic shine from the material combine to create this iconic shirt that is cemented in football history as one of the best. It’s a wonderful answer to Napoli’s ’88-89 shirt, worn by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp.
Napoli 1991-92 Home
Keeping on the theme of shiny material with sublimated patterns and legendary players, this Napoli shirt from 1991-92 is a beautiful design and was once worn by Gianfranco Zola. The pattern is bold but it works, thanks to the colorway, and the collar adds a touch of class to an already fantastic shirt. Umbro were clearly killing it during the ’90s.
Inter 1988-89 Home
This Inter home kit design saw a decade-long stint, albeit with different manufacturers. However, the club won a Scudetto in this Uhlsport version from 1988-89, so we’re rolling with that one. The old-school snake badge is a key reason why this kit is so good. The collar is a classic ’80s look and Inter’s blue and black stripes are portrayed in such a simple yet elegant way.
Napoli 1987-88 Home
Now, this is a capital I Icon. The shirt Napoli wore following their first-ever Scudetto win, the home kit from the 1987-88 season is another Nicola Raccuglia classic. The Buitoni sponsor is etched into football history and thanks to Maradona (again), so is this shirt. The Scudetto and Coppa Italia shield on the chest brings the shirt to life and cements Napoli as the team to beat for the season following their huge double win in 1986-87.
Inter 1997-98 Third
The first non-home shirt in this battle, this Inter third kit is not only a football icon but also found its way into streetwear folklore thanks to the remake and the Air Max brand. Regardless of its cool status, it’s a beautiful hooped shirt with the Pirelli sponsor and worn by none other than R9, Ronaldo. Cemented in Inter’s history, it’s the kit they wore when they lifted the UEFA Cup after beating Lazio in the final.
Napoli 1994-95 Away
A bold inclusion, but for me, it has to be included. It’s reminiscent of the iconic Fiorentina shirt that was eventually banned for reasons I won’t go into, but this Napoli shirt is definitely one of the best in club history, thanks to the pattern on the shoulders. It’s ’90s vibes through and through and is one of those shirts that looks way better in long sleeves because of it.
Inter 2009-10 Home
It’s one of my favorite shirts of all time. The historic treble under Jose Mourinho, was won in this fantastic shirt. From the neckline and cuffs to the simplicity in the stripes, to the cut of the shirt, it’s such a good design. This shirt just looks cool on pitch, thanks to its boxier vibe, and the fact Inter won three trophies wearing it makes it even sweeter.
Napoli 2023-24 Home
This one may be controversial, but I don’t see why. Napoli defended their first Scudetto in over 30 years in this shirt, which featured the Tricolore on the collar and sleeves, which was such a wonderful addition. People probably think a kit made by Emporio Armani can’t make it to the top five, but this one does. There, I said it.
Inter 2021-22 Home
I am including this one and I don’t care what anyone says about it. The ode to the snake (a key piece of the city’s history) is a necessary inclusion in this battle. The snakeskin pattern makes for a much more subtle striped design, an unorthodox approach that many traditionalists hate. But I love it. Accent it with gold logos and the Scudetto shield and it’s a new classic.
The Winner: Inter Milan
I fought my bias as a Napoli follower and gave this kit batte to Inter. They deserve it; let’s be honest. They’re a club that has such a good kit portfolio, making it very, very difficult to beat. Not even a Nicola Raccuglia shirt worn by Diego Maradona can beat the longevity of the Nerazzuri.
