Italy’s first match was on 15 May 1910 in Milan. Despite a controversy which meant that players from the best league side Pro Vercelli were unavailable, Italy beat France 6-2. The Azzurri weren’t yet Azzurri at all as the blue kit designed in tribute to the colour of the Savoia royal family would make its first appearance in the following year.

The team instead wore white with different shorts and sorts coming from the players’ clubs. The players in this historic first match were rewarded with packets of cigarettes thrown from the crowd.