Sportswear manufacturer Puma have now extended their deal with the Italian football Federation till the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The sportswear manufacturer recently signed a new contract that will also see them become the management head for the entire portfolio of the Italian football Federation, while they have also been granted a new designation as the "Official Master Licensee".
Puma will also continue to provide the FIGC's official kitwear for the most high profile team they have in their client list. Other clients for Puma at the international stage include the likes of South Africa, Uruguay – the Copa America champions, and Switzerland.
In order to mark their nine-year existence alongside the Italian football Federation, Puma recently showed the new away kit for the Italian national football team in Genoa. After a gap of more than 40 years, the kit will be featuring horizontal blue strips across the chest.
The exact details of the contract have not been revealed by the Italian football Federation. They have also not commented about the length of the contract or the money involved, but it is pretty much known that signing up the 2006 World Champions is definitely not going to be easy or cheap.
"We have enjoyed a highly successful relationship with the FIGC over the past nine years, and as such we are delighted to have reached this new agreement and considerably expand our partnership with them," Puma chief executive Franz Koch said after announcing the deal.
"Puma has been a great partner for us, and we are very happy to not only continue but also deepen our relationship with them. Their licensing expertise, ideas and commitment to expanding the commercial potential of this partnership are impressive, and have led us to create this new contract," FIGC President Giancarlo Abete said.