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PUMA unleashes Italy away shirt for 2008
World champions Italy recently unveiled their new away team shirt prior to their November 17 Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland in Glasgow. The Squadra Azzurri was the first PUMA-sponsored national team to win the FIFA World Cup when it won last year in Germany and has been a PUMA-sponsored team since 2003.
The stylish white shirt was unveiled by team officials and players in Italy. The shirt is part of PUMA’s v-Speed line that will be launched globally in January 2008, featuring lightweight moisture-wicking materials, mesh layers and welded-technology in its performance apparel pieces. The shirt provides improved freedom of movement and fit from older versions, including special back construction with two-piece mesh fabric. The inner mesh layer includes small holes and is hydrophilic – thereby absorbing water and wicking away a player’s sweat, while the outer layer provides the ideal smooth surface to print the player names and numbers.
Stylish details include the official FIGC logo with four stars – representing four World Cup titles – a strip of the Italian tri-color emanating from the neckline just behind the crewneck opening, and subtle gold edging on the cuffs and collar. The national team away shirts are meant as PUMA’s style statements while the yet-to-be unveiled home shirts are the on-field performance statement products.
Other featured products also launched by PUMA as part of the Italia collection include the v1.08 Italy trainer in blue and gold and the Italia backpack. All items will be in stores for the holiday season. Italy’s home team shirt will be launched globally in mid-January at a special PUMA Football event in Zurich to kick-off its 2008 campaign.
