PUMA(R) and Neil Barrett Launch "Italia" Kit

MILAN, 29 Mar. (OTS) -

Today, PUMA(R) and Neil Barrett launch the2004 Italian National Team kit at Stadio Meazza (San Siro), Milan.

Named creative director of PUMA's Italia Collection in 2003, NeilBarrett provided the creative vision of the new playing kit,lifestyle apparel range and personally designed the officalformalwear for the team. The team will represent Italy in thecomplete kit on March 31st against Portugal.

Neil Barrett has worked closely with PUMA's design team to combinethe brand's technical sport expertise with his fashion sensibilityfor a full spectrum of Italia products that spans performance sport,lifestyle and fashion. The inspiration for the new playing kit camefrom protective armour worn by Roman gladiators blended withBarrett's signature "layered" garments. Various items from thejersey, short and shocks, reflect this inspiration.

"PUMA is a brand known for blending elements of sport, lifestyleand fashion and this collaboration with Neil Barrett and the ItalianNational Team is our strongest campaign to date where each elementhas been executed under one umbrella," said Jochen Zeitz, PUMAChairman and CEO. "In January we debuted the fashion element on thecatwalk here in Milan, and now we are back to reveal the kit alongwith the rest of the range."

Neil Barrett specifically designed a formal "representation suit"for the players. The team officials, both men and women, will alsowear a PUMA suit designed by Barrett. A version of this will beavailable for consumers this autumn in PUMA's 96 HOURS collection,which was debuted at Milan Fashion Week during Neil Barrett's catwalkshow.

To complete the Italia collection, there is a complete lifestylerange. This collection blends PUMA's sportlifestyle positioningunder the direction of Neil Barrett. Key elements of this rangeinclude the integration of embroidered badges and unique appliqués.

All PUMA Italia products will be available at retail on April 3 inPUMA Flagship Stores and select retailers.

Note to the Editors:

All product and event images will be available to download fromthe Web by logging onto https://www.pumaspace.com Username: ITALIAPR Password: pumamilan PUMA Neil Barrett Italia sport, lifestyle andfashion product images will be posted at 3:00pm Monday, March 29; theofficial team photo available at 8:00pm Monday, March 29; and teamphoto formalwear will be posted March 30.

About Neil Barrett

Of British descent, Neil Barrett's professional history isthoroughly Italian, including five years as Senior Menswear Designerat Gucci, four years as Design Director of Prada Menswear andlaunching his own brand name collection in 1999 produced by amongothers, the Prada Group and Allegri. For further information, pleasevisit www.neilbarrett.com

PUMA(R) is the global athletic brand that successfully fusesinfluences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA's unique industryperspective delivers the unexpected in sportlifestyle footwear,apparel and accessories, through technical innovation andrevolutionary design. Established in Herzogenaurach, Germany in1948, PUMA distributes products in over 80 countries. For furtherinformation please visit www.puma.com.

ots Original Text: PUMA AG

Football Contact:Isabel BernadPUMA Spain+ 34 966 66 0074ibernad@pumaesp.com

Media Contact:Lisa BeachyInternational Public RelationsPUMA + 1 617-488-2945lisa.beachy@puma.com