Topps prepares new surprises

It is no wonder that the sports trading card market has been experiencing exponential growth in recent years, reaching staggering numbers: in 2022 alone it was valued at as much as $9.69 billion, but by 2030 it will reach a record figure of at least $20.48 billion (Kigs Researc).

The most expensive card ever, a 1953 Mickey Mantle produced by Topps and graded SGC 9, è was sold a few years ago for the incredible sum of $12.5 million. A considerable turnover that involves more and more enthusiasts willing to spend exorbitant amounts of money in order to add to their collection the card that is as rare as it is desired.

Collecting è a cultural phenomenon that for generations has united people with common interests, creating a deep sense of community and going beyond mere passion. Topps, an industry leader with more than 80 years of history, continues to innovate and expand the range of products in its catalog, renewing its historic commitment to keeping collecting an extremely successful phenomenon. The collecting experience is now enhanced by events, fairs and shows that bring together enthusiasts of all ages, offering the opportunity to exchange cards, search for rare memorabilia and meet the very champions featured in the not-to-be-missed collections.

In the last few months alone, for example, Topps presented its first two collections of cards and figurines dedicated to the’coveted Uefa Euro 2024™ tournament both at Napoli Comicon – the 2°biggest pop culture festival in the Belpaese – and at Play Modena – the’only Italian event dedicated to board, card and role-playing games. And not only that, in addition to being main sponsor of Collect IT – the first card show dedicated to collectors in our country – at the recent Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix in Monza it launched in style the new edition of Turbo Attax, the TCG (trading card game, i.e., collectible card game) now in its fifth edition that features the 60 drivers that make up the Formula 1, 2 and 3 circuits. A few weeks ago, finally, è it was the turn of the first Topps Hobby RIP Night: an event of international relevance dedicated to lovers of sports collectibles and organized directly by the American giant, which finally presented the long-awaited format also in Italy (in Milan) after the huge success obtained in the United States. Veterans and newbies alike had the opportunity to participate in exciting unboxing sessions and card exchanges, then challenging each other in gripping Pack Battles: whoever finds the most valuable card wins the entire contents of the box!

Throughout 2024, there are also no shortage of prominent personalities actively involved in all these occasions by Topps: from former soccer players Lele Adani, Giorgio Chiellini and Massimo Ambrosini to creators with millions and millions of young followers such as MikeShowSha or the comedy duo Ufozero2.

Ahead of the highly anticipated events of international relevance Lucca Comics & Games and Milan Games Week & Cartoomics, Topps has in store a series of surprises for all its devoted Italian fans worthy of the leader in the world of collectibles.

The words of Jannik Sinner

After his success in the quarterfinals against Jiri Lehecka at the Beijing ATP 500, Jannik Sinner, among other topics discussed in the press conference, wanted to comment on the words issued by his friend/rival Carlos Alcaraz on the reopening of the Clostebol case by WADA against him. In expressing his feelings, the world number one did not è deviate from the opinion provided by the Murcian.

“It è not a situation I like to be in. It’s a very delicate, complicated and also different scenario. I always try to remind myself that I haven&#39t done anything wrong, and that gives me a small advantage. I had several sleepless nights during this period and now, again, it won&#39t be easy” began the South Tyrolean.

“Of course I am disappointed to be in this situation again. I just try to stay somewhat focused on my work and do everything I can to be ready for every game I play. It’s a very difficult time for me and for my whole team” added the world number one.

“I do not know Bu as a player. I will tryò to study him before the match, but then I will have to see how things will go on the court. He is playing incredible tennis, maybe the best of his career. Even in previous tournaments he has done well. He will beà a tough opponent to face, especially here in Beijing where he will have; the crowd on his side” Jannik Sinner commented.

“I can understand that it is a difficult time for him. Probably, as he himself said in New York, è in a position where people have started to look at him differently and I don’t know what he might be feeling. I certainly understand what he is going through and I feel sorry for him. At the same time, forè, è it is amazing how he is managing to maintain such a high level of tennis with all that is going on around him. I hope that this affair ends as soon as possible and that Jannik can go back to focusing exclusively on what he loves to do, playing tennis” this was Carlos Alcaraz’s comment at the press conference.

Brescia-Cremonese, the probable formations

Brescia and Cremonese will face each other in the last match of the seventh day of Serie B. Kickoff at the “Mario Rigamonti” stadium at 8:30 p.m. The Rondinelle will try to break the streak of two consecutive knockouts between the league and Coppa Italia, while the grigiorossi will seek the three points to move closer to the top of the standings.

Maran should rely on the offensive tandem composed of Moncini and Juric. In midfield, there will be space for Besaggio, Verreth and Bisoli, with Corrado and Dickmann acting as full-band outsiders. Stroppa, on the other hand, is expected to deploy from 1′ in attack Nasti paired with Johnsen. In the middle of the field will be Collocolo, Majer and Vandeputte, with Zanimacchia and Sernicola making up the five-man line.

Probable lineups

BRESCIA (3-5-2): Lezzerini; Papetti, Adorni, Jallow; Dickmann, Besaggio, Verreth, Bisoli, Corrado; Juric; Moncini. Coach: Maran.

CREMONESE (3-5-2): Fulignati; Antov, Moretti, Bianchetti; Zanimacchia, Collocolo, Majer, Vandeputte, Sernicola; Johnsen, Nasti. Coach: Stroppa.