For his second Italian National Team kit design, Barrett’s signature styling of clean lines, slim tailoring and layered garments come to the forefront. A deep v-neck revealing the new FIGC badge on an azzuri blue underlay creates a statement look for the team. The distinctive styling of the white v-neck creates a sophisticated, yet understated feel. This deep v-neck technique also hints at the team’s new 2006 home kit to be released on March 1st.

“Launched under the tag ‘Italians Look Better,’ the kit embodies the charisma of the team,” said Filip Trulsson, PUMA Teamsport Business Unit Manager. “Italians are known for their inherent style and we think it’s a necessity to maintain this essence of fashion when creating the football kit for the team. Through Barrett’s vision and our internal design talent, we are continually able to deliver a performance kit with unique visual interest and appeal.”

Over the past two years, Neil Barrett has worked closely with PUMA’s design team merging the brand’s technical sport integrity with his fashion sensibility. All of the garments, from the playing kit to the team apparel, utilize proven functional materials and cut lines to provide optimum performance. The shirt introduces a new groundbreaking woven rip-stop fabric, specially developed for PUMA in close co-operation with Toray Textiles and Manchester Metropolitan University.The woven fabric is extremely lightweight, carries outstanding wicking properties and has limited stretch to prevent shirt pulling.

In addition to the playing kit and selected team wear, a new FIFA-approved ball will be launched for the Italian National team – the v1.06. Introducing a new-patented panel concept based on a verified geometrical approach, this construction secures the roundest, most technically advanced ball on the market. Continuing with PUMA’s patented dimple technology, the new v1.06 ball delivers more speed, more distance and improved trajectory.

About Neil Barrett
Of British descent, Neil Barrett’s professional history is thoroughly Italian, including five years as Senior Menswear Designer at Gucci, four years as Design Director of Prada Menswear and launching his own brand name collection in 1999 produced by among others, the Prada Group and Allegri. For further information, please visit www.neilbarrett.com