PUMA presents new uniforms, including world champion Italy, with Gala Presentation at de Pury & Luxembourg Gallery
As the sponsor of five national teams at the upcoming European Championships in June, PUMA unveiled the home uniforms of world champion Italy, Czech Republic and Poland along with hosts Austria & Switzerland at a star-studded event in Zurich’s glamorous de Pury & Luxembourg Gallery.
“While we are still enjoying PUMA’s tremendous success at the African Cup of Nations, we are already kicking-off the countdown to the EURO 2008, our next big tournament”, said PUMA Chairman & CEO Jochen Zeitz. “The European Championships will be the next highlight in an extraordinary sports year and PUMA is proud to be worn on the pitch by a strong portfolio of five teams which clearly strengthens PUMA’s position as one of the world’s top three football brands.”
The event was hosted by actresses Simona Ventura of Italy and Franka Potente of Germany and included the Italian national team, FIGC President Guido Rossi and representatives from PUMA’s four other national teams that will be playing this summer at EURO 2008. The events were also photographed by world-renowned photographer Hubertus von Hohenlohe.
The presentation of uniforms in Zurich coincided with Italy’s friendly match against Portugal on February 6 in Zurich’s Letzigrund Stadium, one of the stadium’s used for EURO 2008. Along with the shirt presentation, PUMA also presented its recently-launched “Until Then” ad campaign and new v1.08 product collection. The lightweight statement v1.08 shirt worn by Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland and Austria is made of two highly-breathable mesh fabric layers welded together in stitchless construction to help players physically – and psychologically – by making players and fans feel better about looking better.
The inner mesh layer includes small holes and is hydrophilic – thereby absorbing water and wicking away a player’s sweat. The outer layer has larger ventilation holes and is hydrophobic, keeping the player feeling dry and the two layers from sticking together. The unique welded technology means less fabric and no excess for a total weight of just 145 grams (size M). The shirt improves aerodynamics, minimizes weight and maximizes confidence.
The new international v1.08 statement performance concept is available in sports stores globally and Italy replica shirts can be found in PUMA Retail worldwide.
