Calcio "Italia" (2nd series)
About This Machine
The Calcio "Italia" (2nd series) is an intriguing example of early electro-mechanical pinball machines from Italy. Produced by Soc. Elettrogiochi, with ads for this 2nd series first appearing in 1967, this game is a head-to-head competition game, a format uncommon among most pinball machines. This unique feature allows two players to compete simultaneously, with each player controlling a set of flippers that face their opponent.
The Calcio "Italia" (2nd series) boasts an array of features, including 12 flippers, four pop bumpers, four slingshots, and four permanent (non-electric) magnets under the playfield that subtly affect the ball's trajectory without being strong enough to stop or hold it. The game's design also incorporates an elevated scoring backbox attached to the side of the playfield, replacing the row of lamps on the apron used in the first series. This distinctive design element, along with an automatic ball shooter (replacing the manual shooter knob), sets the second series apart from its predecessor.
The theme of soccer, or calcio in Italian, is a nostalgic and charming touch that reflects the sport's popularity in Italy during the mid-20th century. Little information about the game's designer or development process has been discovered. Nonetheless, this machine remains an important piece of pinball history and a fascinating specimen for enthusiasts to appreciate its innovative head-to-head design.
Images (22)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Sports - Soccer
- Notable Features:
- Flippers (12), Pop bumpers (4), Slingshots (4), Permanent magnets (4). This is a head-to-head game where two players at opposite ends of the playfield compete in simultaneous play. Each player has flipper buttons which control only those flippers facing the opponent. These features make the second series different from Soc. Elettrogiochi's 'Calcio "Italia" (1st series)': • There is an elevated scoring backbox attached to the side of this game, replacing the row of lamps on the apron of the first series. • An automatic ball shooter replaces the manual protruding ball shooter knob, although reportedly a metal triangle covers a vacated hole, indicating first series cabinets were used. • There are four magnets under the playfield. These are permanent, not electromagnets, therefore are always "on" even when the game is off. They are not strong enough to stop and hold the ball in play but will affect the travel of a ball passing over them.