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PANINI CAMPIONI DELLO SPORT BASKETBALL CARDS
Before dominating modern NBA trading cards from 2009 to 2025, Panini had a rich history outside of the United States in other world markets. Panini was initially founded in Modena, Italy, in 1961 by brothers Giuseppe and Benito Panini after a success of selling Milan based soccer player cards from their family newsstand in 1960. Their very first album and set, 1961-62 Calciatori, featured Italian domestic league soccer players. They continued to focus only on soccer until 1966, when their multi-sport album and set, Campioni dello Sport, was released.
Campioni Dello Sport was a set of 420 cards, with 30 cards dedicated to basketball cards. These were mostly Italian players, with a few American players that played in Italy at the time. Most notably was Doug Moe, a future ABA/NBA player. There were two variations of the back. A small percentage had “Valida” backs, indicating they could be redeemed for prizes in period promotions.
Measurements: 1.75” x 2.375”
1966-67
