Cesena have slipped out of the Serie B play-off places in recent weeks but there could be a double celebration this weekend if they can rediscover their form.

They headed into Friday’s 2-0 defeat by Sassuolo on the back of their 85th anniversary. To mark the occasion the club released ‘a symbol of identity and belonging’ in the shape of a limited edition commemorative kit.

Inspired by the very earliest editions of strips worn by the Seahorses, the new design is, as expected, a white top with a touch of black and gold, black shorts and white socks. The special feature is the introduction of the number 85 alongside the famous seahorse on the crest.

There is also a gold goalkeeper version, which was modelled by American shot-stopper Jonathan Klinsmann.

Cesena general manager Corrado Di Taranto said: “Reaching the milestone of 85 years is a source of immense pride for the entire black and white family. This kit is not just a match shirt, but a symbol of belonging, passion, and a shared history with our fans and with all those who hold the Cavalluccio close to their hearts.

“Together with Erreà, we have carefully considered every detail to pay tribute to those who have written the club’s history, because wearing this kit means carrying Cesena’s identity both on and off the pitch.”

The official launch took place at the Malatestiana Library in Cesena. The kit is available now at the official store and club website.

With the increasing global interest in all things calcio, this latest release is sure to attract attention from further afield than the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy where Cesena play.

Earlier this month, Napoli looked even further back to launch an anniversary kit of their own, commemorating the birth of the city of Naples 2,500 years ago.

The Partenope Jersey, part of the ‘Proud to be Napoli’ project and according to the club’s website, “is a tribute to the myth and a timeless symbol, speaking the language of emotion, allowing fans around the world to recognise themselves as Partenopei, part of a story that transcends time and generations.

“This is not just a football shirt, but a story woven into fabric. It embodies the bold statement of ‘We are Napoli’, even far from the Gulf, even thousands of kilometres away from Castel dell’Ovo.”

The special detail on the all-blue design is a small touch on the back of the white collar. Where it would normally say ‘SSC Napoli’ the inscription reads ‘Partenopei’.

Manufactured in collaboration with EA7, only 2500 were produced, one for every year. 

Napoli aren’t the only Serie A club making a nod to their past, either. Torino announced last week the pre-release of a jersey commemorating the Grande Torino side of the 1940s, who dominated the domestic game before the Superga Tragedy in 1949.

The shirt has been named ‘The Heroes’, celebrating the side that won five titles and broke numerous records – including most goals in one season (125) and the longest ever unbeaten home run in Italian football history (88 games).

The club describe the garment as “a tribute to the legend of the Grande Torino, reimagined in a contemporary style, designed for everyday life”.

The latest trio of releases are part of a growing trend across Italy’s calcio scene. Just a few weeks ago, Genoa released a fourth kit to highlight their bond with Boca Juniors and celebrate the South American club’s 120th anniversary.

Last month Destination Calcio spoke to Graham Chmylowskyj, the man behind the North Curve, a Scottish company producing clothes inspired by retro football kits.

Calcio is well represented at the North Curve – Sampdoria, Lazio, Inter Milan, Bologna, Roma, Napoli and Palermo T-shirts and jumpers are available. Graham explained how Napoli designs have always been popular while Palermo is enjoying a spell as one of the most in-demand.