The entry of Il Ponte into the prestigious MILLON Auction Group, brings with it one of the first significant innovations: the opening of a department dedicated to Sports.
Just like the kickoff of a memorable match, the inaugural auction on November 22, 2024, marks the beginning of a new era for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Aiming to revitalise the Italian and European sports tradition and become a solid and authoritative point of reference, the department presents itself to the public with a catalogue rich in glorious moments - memorabilia that offer the chance to relive the achievements of great athletes and the stories of those champions who have inspired entire generations.
The selection, a result of the synergy between top French experts and important Italian specialists, aims to present unique and rare pieces, such as the historic number 11 jersey of the Italian national team (lot 44, € 5,000-6,000), worn between 1947 and 1949. This jersey symbolises a golden era of Italian football and pays homage to some legendary players of the Grande Torino, who were victims of the tragic air disaster in '49. Another notable piece is the number 21 jersey of Zinedine Zidane (lot 89, € 2,000-3,000), worn during the 1998/1999 season with Juventus FC, a year in which the champion won hearts and trophies across the globe.
Lot 44
Jersey nr. 11 Italy National Team, worn between 1947 and 1949.
Hand-sewn patch with italian flag colours. Number 11 on the back in white fabric.
The italian team consisted of several Torino players including Guglielmo Gabetto,
Romeo Menti, Mario Rigamonti and others, who died in the "famous" plane crash of 1949.
Player to be determined. Worn cotton shirt with some small holes. Worn jersey. Rare.
Estimate € 5,000 - 6,000
Lot 89
Zinedine Zidane.
Jersey No.21 Juventus FC worn during the 1998/1999 season of the Italian Serie A Championship.
The player participates in 25 matches with Juventus.
Zidane wins the UEFA SuperCup and the Intercontinental Cup in 1996, two Italian championships,
in 1997 and in 1998, an Italian Super Cup in 1997 and an Intertoto Cup in 1999.
An incredible palmares with his club for the World champion 1998 and European Champion 2000 with French national team.
Kappa brand. Race model. Size XL. Shirt worn during a match.
Estimate € 2,000 - 3,000
Shifting to the realm of cycling, one of the standout lots of the auction features a true museum piece: the MOLTENI team jersey worn by Eddy Merckx in 1974 (lot 27, € 4,000-6,000), the year the legendary cyclist triumphed in both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.
Lot 27
Eddy MERCKX.
Molteni team jersey with World Champion profiles worn during the 1974 season,
the year in which the rider won the last of his five "Tour de France" and his five "Giro d'Italia".
With more than 600 victories in all competitions. He is the greatest rider in the history of professional cycling,
elected "Belgian Athlete of the Twentieth Century". Molteni Alimentari jersey worn.
Brand Vittore Gianni. No.1 on the label inside the neck. Race worn jersey. Museum piece. Rare.
Estimate € 4,000 - 6,000
Among the variety of categories and items offered, there is also a medal from the Italian Football Federation (lot 46, € 1,200-1,500) awarded to Riccardo Carapellese for his international victories against France and Brazil in '56, as well as the official ball from the 1984 semifinal between Juventus FC and Manchester United (lot 56, € 600-800): one of the most exciting matches in the Cup Winners' Cup.
Finally, rounding out the showcase is the number 6 jersey of Alessandro Costacurta (lot 78, € 250-300), the great defender of Italian football, worn during the 1997 Tournament of France.
Lot 46
Riccardo CARAPELLESE.
Medal from the Italian Football Federation offered to the player
on the occasion of the international friendlies against
France on 15 February 1956 in Bologna, 2-0 victory and Brazil on 25 April in Milan, 3-0 victory.
National team 16 times, he participated in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, scoring a goal in the Azzurri's two matches.
Medal enamelled in 750 thousandths gold, weight 11 grams, hallmark. Dimensions 29x29mm. In its original box.
Estimate € 1,200 - 1,500
Lot 56
Juventus FC – Manchester United.
Official match ball for the 1/2 Final second leg of the Cup Winners' Cup on April 25, 1984.
Victory of the Italians 2-1 and qualification for the Final. Valsport FC Juventus Gold Super ball.
Collection of Alexis Ponnet, main referee of the match. (match used ball, identification of the match made by the referee on the ball).
Estimate € 600 - 800
Lot 78
Alessandro COSTACURTA.
Italy national team jersey nr. 6, issued for the France Tournament match played on 11th june 1997 in Parc des Princes stadium.
Match draw 2-2. AC Milan player replaces Stefano Torrisi on the forty-sixth minute.
Brand Nike. Model Premier. Size L. Made in UK. Jersey issued for the match.
Estimate € 250 - 300