EDICOLA NEWS: THE REVIEWS nr. 257
album: Match Attax 101 Uefa Nations League (Topps)
cards: 224 (CD1-101, IS 1-99, YP 1-13, DC 1-10, MA1) + 15 limited edition (LE1-LE10, MW-MW 1-3, WW1-WW2)
starter pack: album + 20 cards + 2 card limited 8,99€
box: 24 packets (10 cards per packet) 2,00€ each
multipack: 25 cards + 1 card limited 4,99€
mega tin: 56 cards + 4 card limited 12,99€, variant blue, silver
booster box: 25 cards + 1 card limited 4,99€
mini tin box: 30 cards + 2 card limited 7,99€, variant red, green, blue
The world is often divided in two, even that of stickers is similar. Except for sporadic cases, there is an unwritten rule that for now continues to be such, for stickers contact Panini, for cards better Topps. Perhaps this collection is not fundamental, but it is Topps’ first since it acquired the Uefa rights and if a good day starts in the morning, Euro 2024 could have a collection of cards of a much higher quality than the recent Panini, even if, at unlike the repetitive Adrenalyn Calciatori, with European and World Cup more than something good Panini showed it.
Here, however, we are on another planet. An opportune choice not to make it very broad, for this reason it is part of the shorter series 101; probably obligatory choice but unfortunate to get it out in the middle of summer. However, if we take into account that from September to December we will have players, Champions League and above all the World Cup in Qatar, it could not be done otherwise.
The collection suffers, like that of the stickers, of not being able to use the official jerseys of practically the most important national teams in Europe, with the result that the players of Italy, England, France and Germany are very few and with unattractive unicolor jerseys. We really hope this problem can be solved, if only out of respect for the fans. Clearly they are questions of rights and consequently questions of money (a lot). We hope that Topps and Panini can find an agreement before 2024, perhaps also for Qatar 2022 because we would not like Topps not to give image rights to some of the national teams involved. However, taking into account that Topps has not given the go-ahead to Panini for 20 years for the English national team, it is understandable if Panini will do the same now.
The collection is above all a testing ground for what it will be, which is why it is interesting. We have the distinct feeling that the American publisher wants to tell us “guys, this is Topps!”. However, the basic cards have valid details, as did Panini, when it comes to national teams it is always exciting to see the flag in the background. The back is also appreciable, not the same for all, but where the national team and also the role of the player are specified. These are perhaps small attentions, which however make the collection more interesting and cared for.
Different speech for the specials, where we really find extremely intriguing news, in particular the relic coin cards that include a souvenir coin, we are very curious to find one to be able to touch with hand. Other very interesting cards are the chrome shields, 10 shaped cards that we had already seen in the Topps collections and we personally like them. The problem often (see Adrenalyn) is repetitiveness, here at least we try to present something different. Looking at the US market, there is still a long way to go, but it is a great start!
Those who decide to buy this collection, rather than try to complete it, will try to find the top players. With all the good we can wish for the European champion Chiellini, that he is seen as the most representative Italian player is a bit disarming. We miss the times of the Totti, Baggio, Zola and Del Piero, just to name a few.
(EN)