Serie A: the Italian league and Nike present the official "Merlin" ball for the 2018-19 season

The American brand Nike and the Lega Serie A have presented the "Merlin", the official ball of the 2018-19 season, on 18/07/2018. The ball will be used in the Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, as well as in the Primavera youth leagues and cups.

"The new Nike Merlin ball brings together an advanced design, eye-catching colours and, for the first time, All Conditions Control (ACC) technology, which ensures optimal touch and control in all weather conditions. It is made of high-quality materials, which make it worthy of being the official Serie A, Premier League and LaLiga Santander ball," said the Italian league.

Nike has been supplying the official balls of the Serie A since the 2011-12 season and extended its partnership with the Lega Serie A on 05/01/2018. The duration of the new contract has not yet been communicated but it is expected be a three-season contract covering the 2018-2021 cycle.

The "Merlin" ball has been marketed since 19/07/2018 on the Nike online store, at the price of €136.

"A wider striking surface, reducing the traditional 12-panel structure to just…