The new Serie A 2022 - 23: the history of the balls of the Italian league From Nike to PUMA, how the aesthetics of the most popular sphere have changed
The launch of a new ball is always very important at the beginning of a new season, it has always been the object that most evokes dreams and memories in each of us, and one of the most surprising novelties of this new and exciting season is certainly the debut of PUMA. After 15 years, the Italian Lega has put an end to the historic relationship with Nike, a binomial between the top Italian league and the American brand that has marked a generation of footballers, fans and supporters. The relationship between the Swoosh and Serie A has been far more important than is generally believed as it was able to unify the whole of Italy, as before in fact each team played at home with the ball of its technical sponsor.
This year the design has been heavily modified, the new PUMA ORBITA Serie A ball offers a unique configuration of 12 large star-shaped panels that results in a reduced number of seams, allowing for a better connection to the ball. The FIFA Approved ORBITA uses cutting-edge technology to create an optimal ball that retains its shape and allows for less water absorption. POE foam is added to increase touch sensitivity, providing a firmer feel and better rebound consistency. The ball also features a rubber bladder and a PAL (PUMA Air Lock) valve for optimal air retention and rebound.
Before PUMA came into the picture, however, as mentioned, Nike wrote important pages in this league. Up to the latest Flight Ball, the swoosh has spent a good eight years researching and experimenting; we are talking about the most innovative product ever created with regard to footballs. A model that has not only remained confined to Italy and has also been used in the Premier League.
Where it all started - T90
Technology has definitely invaded the field of play, changing fundamental aspects of the game invented by the English in the mid 1800s. Goal line technology, VAR, new tools to narrate football are all changing the most watched sport in the world. Within this evolution, suppliers such as Nike, for example, play a fundamental role. The swoosh to catch up with the league has created a new ball defined as game-changing football, one of those inventions that change the perception of the world. It took eight years of study, research and testing to arrive at the final product. A ball that, thanks to AerowSculpt's patented aerodynamic technology, has rewritten new pages of football and football physics. This new tech direction has allowed the ball to feel less aerodynamic effects when in the air and have 30% less oscillation than Nike's last balls.
