ITALY NATIONAL

January 1998 saw the release of 13 figures, all of which were painted in the Italian national kit. This set was fully licensed by the AIC which meant the kit was official. The figures were distributed throughout Italy by the same company which distributed the Serie A club range of figures, Giochi Preziosi.

 

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The figures themselves had all previously been released in their respective club kits. 10 had been released in the Serie A range of figures, with Ravanelli, Zola and Di Matteo being released as part of the FAPL Collection. So although this was a new range it was entirely made up of previously released figures.

 

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It does seem rather strange that Corinthian neglected to release any multipacks for this set, there are 13 figures so they could quite easily have released a 12 player pack and numerous 4 player packs too, as it was, Corinthian chose to simply release them as single blisters.

 

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The rarest of the figures is undoubtedly Roberto Baggio, the reason for this is largely down to his popularity amongst the collectors market in Japan. The Japanese are fascinated by Baggio despite the fact he has never played for a team in their country. He is as collectible in Japan as the likes of Beckham and national heroes Nakata and Nakamura. The reason for this is largely due to his performances in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, the Divine Pony Tail, as he would be referred to by his adoring fans in Japan, would be an ever constant in the Corinthian range and one which was up there as the most lucrative.

 

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One thing worthy of note is regarding the collector number found on the base of the Ravanelli figure. He is listed as 'SER089' but the number found on his base is actually 'PL295' the same collector number which was used for the Ravanelli figure in the Middlesboro kit for the FAPL Collection. I have never come across a Ravanelli in the Italy kit with a base code of 'SER089' so i am inclined to believe that Corinthian simply used surplus Middleboro Ravanelli figures and painted them into the Italian national kit, instead of moulding new ones.

 

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Each figure came issued with a collector card as well as a collectors information file. Rarity wise it is most certainly Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero who are most coveted and hard to find, especially in blister format. It as to be noted that in recent times i personally feel Del Piero has surpassed Baggio in terms of rarity, his figure has become incredibly elusive and is scarcely seen for sale.