We’re taking a closer look at the four European sides of the World Champions Collection this week, starting off with the current trophy holders Italy. Here’s a closer look at our photo shoot with our Italian model, Alice Bregoli:

The man behind our Italian design is well known for his art around the world. Tanino Liberatore is best known as a comic artist, and for his character RanXerox. Tanino has also dabbled in the world of music, creating the sleeve art for Frank Zappa’s album The Man From Utopia. Recently, we spoke to him about his work, and the design that he came up with for our World Champions Collection. Here’s what he had to say…

Who or what inspired you to become an artist?

‘The italian Renaissance and particularly Michelangelo.’

Has Italy inspired your work in the past?

‘Of course.’

What made you want to get involved in this collaboration with Umbro?

‘I like English football, and Umbro is closely related to it.’

What do you think of the existing crest used by your national team?

‘I like it, it’s very simple.’

How did you approach the idea of redesigning the Italian crest?

‘I was inspired by a trip to Rome. We cannot forget the moral value of our historical past.’

How did you decide what elements to include?

‘I’ve tried to diffuse sport’s positive message.’

If you had to name your crest, what would you call it?

‘Strong-mindedness.’

Were you a football fan before you decided to do this?

‘I’m nuts about Inter – I’m just watching the Coppa Italia match between Inter and Roma.’

What role do you think the crest has for players and fans?

‘It’s very important. It’s a shortcut to membership identification.’

How do you think Italy will fare in this summer’s World Cup?

‘I have hope, but I don’t think that the Italian team will do good things. But I think that the English team will have a very good championship.’