#BluCrociati – Samp and Parma honour special bond

A story of great battles on the pitch and long-standing friendship in the stands. Unione Calcio Sampdoria and Parma Calcio 1913 are shining examples of decency, sportsmanship and loyalty. For nearly 30 years, while the two teams have battled to come out on top, their respective supporters have upheld the values of mutual respect, love and passion for the shirt.

The bond between the two clubs began in the 1990/91 season, during Parma’s first-ever season in Serie A. Parma’s two organised supporter’s clubs, ULTRAS Tito Cucchiaroni and Boys Parma, soon built up a good relationship with the Sampdoria fans – but it was a special banner that sealed the special bond. During Parma’s away trip to Marassi, the fans unveiled the message: “For you Europe, for you glory, for Sampdoria the Scudetto”. As it happened, Samp did win the league that year, with Parma finishing fifth. It was the first in a long line of gestures between the two sets of fans.

Now, the two clubs have decided to celebrate the historic bond between the two sets of supporters by playing in a special version of each other’s shirt for the upcoming Serie A 2018/19 Week 36 clash at the Tardini on 5 May. Thanks also to the collaboration of technical sponsors Errea and Joma, Sampdoria will play in a special kit featuring Parma’s signature Crociata design, while Parma will don yellow and blue Blucerchiati jerseys.

The initiative, named “Blucrociati – not just colours”, will mix the salient features of two of the most iconic Italian kits of all times, though each team will still play in their usual colours, to preserve the identity of the two clubs. The initiative aims to symbolise the bond and mutual respect between the two sets of fans.

The Blucerchiati shirt worn by the Parma players will be produced by Errea and finished in yellow and blue. There are plenty of special details, with the classic cross of St George replaced by the coat of arms of the Duchy of Parma and the rear of the shirts featuring a triangle containing the Parma logo, just like the current Parma jerseys. Lettering on the side will read Parma Calcio vs Sampdoria, 5 May 2019.

The Crociata jersey worn by Sampdoria will be produced by Joma and will see the two arms of the cross finished in the four colours normally seen on Doria jerseys. Positioned under the traditional club logo will be the lettering commemorating the match.

The jerseys worn by the players in the game will then be put up for auction. Proceeds from sales of the Parma shirts will be donated in full to the Istituto Gaslini in Genoa, while proceeds from the Sampdoria shirts will go to Parma Children’s Hospital.