The FIFA World Cup trophy is made in Italy. Precisely in Paderno Dugnano, in the province of Milan, by a company called Bertoni, which has been producing the trophy since 1974.
Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, who at the time was artistic director at Bertoni, was awarded the commission by FIFA. Made of 18 carat gold with a malachite base, it stands 36.8 centimeters high and weighs 6.1 kilograms. It depicts two human figures holding up the Earth.
“The idea was to create something symbolising exertion, dynamism and the jubilation of an athlete in the moment of victory, with all the joy that contains,” Gazzaniga said in an interview by FIFA. “The seemingly irregular volumes are what give it its sense of dynamism, but in reality it has a harmonious energy of its own. The figures that emerge from the rough base material evoke a sense of jubilation in victory.”
The trophy has been hand-crafted using the same techniques since 1974.
“A great Italian pride,” said Valentina Losa, daughter of the company’s founder, Giorgio, who has recently passed away. “Every time the trophy is lifted, all of us at the company feel great joy and pride. Not just because it is something we have made ourselves, but also because the entire world can admire it.”
Who will be holding it next month? The Italian team got off to a good start last Saturday when it won against England 2-1. We wish good luck to all the teams, but obviously say... Forza Italia!
