Italy have missed out on the 2018 World Cup – the first time the former winners have missed out in 60 years. However, in addition to a few referees, there will be another piece of Italy in Russia – the World Cup trophy itself.
In Paderno Dugnano, a little city close to Milan, there is a pink-walled factory. This, in such a low-key area, is where the trophy is made.
The golden original, property of FIFA and rarely exhibited, was designed in 1970 by artist Silvio Gazzaniga, winning the international contest for the new World Cup trophy.
Every four years, a brass copy of the trophy is provided and handed to the football federation of the winning side.
a rise to history
Once out of the foundry, the brass body of the cup has to be chiselled by die grinders to remove metal in excess.
Paderno Dugnano, Italy. May 2018.
© Paolo Vezzoli
a rise to history
Following the first step, manual chiselling with hammer and chisels refines and completes details.
Paderno Dugnano, Italy. May 2018.
© Paolo Vezzoli
a rise to history
The cup gets progressively refined by polishing.
Paderno Dugnano, Italy. May 2018.
© Paolo Vezzoli
a rise to history
The cup reaches the galvanic department, where it first deals with the ultrasonic degreasing bath. This first bath is followed by rinsing.
Paderno Dugnano, Italy. May 2018.
© Paolo Vezzoli
a rise to history
A partial view of the galvanic department during the gilding bath.
Paderno Dugnano, Italy. May 2018.
© Paolo Vezzoli
a rise to history
At the end of the gilding bath, the cup is carefully washed in distilled water.
Paderno Dugnano, Italy. May 2018.
© Paolo Vezzoli
a rise to history
The World Cup, now completed with its base of malachite green marble, is covered with Zapon varnish to ensure an impeccable brilliance and preservation.
Paderno Dugnano, Italy. May 2018.
© Paolo Vezzoli
a rise to history
The cup, dried and now ready, is carefully cleaned and checked in detail one last time.
Paderno Dugnano, Italy. May 2018.
© Paolo Vezzoli
Source: Aljazeera