Palermo 2005/06 Goalkeeper Shirt – Matteo Guardalben – N.99 – Player Issued – Lotto – UEFA Cup

Matteo Guardalben's Player Issued jersey: the Palermo goalkeeper in the UEFA Cup

The Palermo goalkeeper's jersey for the 2005/2006 season in the Player Issued version is a rare and highly collectible item. Made by Lotto in Italy in the dressing room version reserved for team supply, it features a bold and unmistakable design: a light mint green body embellished with black arrow graphics forming a vertical heraldic motif on the chest, shoulders and sleeves with a pink-black "dragon scales" geometric texture. On the chest stands the historic "U.S. Città di Palermo" crest embroidered with gold and pink threads that recall the stylized eagle, accompanied by the rubberized black Lotto logo. On the left sleeve is embroidered the official UEFA Cup patch, direct evidence of Palermo's historic participation in the European competition after thirty-seven years of absence. Personalized with the number 99 on the back and the name GUARDALBEN in official typographed white characters. A unique and distinctive feature of this specimen: the sleeves have been cut, a personalized detail requested by the goalkeeper to ensure greater freedom of movement during saves. Made in Italy, size XXL. Excellent vintage condition.

The goalkeeper: Matteo Guardalben

Matteo Guardalben (Nogara, June 5, 1974) is a former Italian goalkeeper who grew up in the Verona youth academy. After years as Buffon's reserve at Parma (with whom he won the 1998/99 UEFA Cup, 1998/99 Coppa Italia and 1999 Italian Supercup), in 2004 he joined Maurizio Zamparini's Palermo for the season of their return to Serie A after thirty-one years. His 2004/2005 season under the guidance of Francesco Guidolin was simply memorable: thirty-seven appearances, top-level performances (including a miracle against Kakà in Palermo-Milan), three call-ups to the Italian national team and above all the historic qualification for the UEFA Cup thanks to a sixth-place finish. He was voted best goalkeeper of the Zamparini era by the Rosanero fans. The jersey we are offering comes from the following season, in which he made his UEFA Cup debut on November 24, 2005, in the 1-1 draw against Espanyol, before the injury that affected his season.

What is a Player Issued jersey?

A Player Issued jersey is a kit prepared specifically for a certain player in the professional squad. It differs significantly from the commercial version due to verifiable technical characteristics: superior quality finishes, embroidered gold club crest, rubberized Lotto logo, anatomical race cut, specific internal labels and country of manufacture. The Palermo 2005/06 goalkeeper's jersey is Made in Italy in the dressing room version, while the retail version was produced abroad. The presence of the UEFA Cup patch, embroidered and not reproducible, certifies the high-level match kit.

Authenticity and MTM guarantee

MTM Memorabilia is the Italian benchmark for demanding collectors of authentic sports memorabilia. Each jersey is selected by our experts with rigorous criteria of authenticity, provenance and quality. The originality of this specimen is guaranteed directly by MTM. Each shipment takes place with rigid, shockproof and anti-humidity packaging to ensure maximum protection during transport. Express courier with delivery within 24/72 hours from payment confirmation, both for Italy and abroad.