International sides have dominated the football shirt industry during the last week. We take a look at a few of the biggest stories.

According to the Italian newspaper Corrieredellosport the Italian national football team will play in a light blue shirt with brown shorts and socks in the 2009 Confederations Cup.  FIFA has just received a note from FIGC with the description of the new colour combination designed by the German kit manufacturer Puma (Italy’s technical sponsor until 2014) for the 2009 international tournament.

Whilst Puma revolutionise the Italian kit, their contract with the Polish FA is closing. Nike have agreed to take over as sponsors of the Poland national team. A six year deal has been signed between Nike and The Polish FA (PZPN). All Poland’s national teams are going to play in Nike kits and additionally the association can count on financial support from the global sports brand.

“The analysis of the offers was carried out by a special commission which also conducted talks with contractors. It turned out that in many aspects Nike’s offer was better, but the choice of technical sponsor was carried out in a vote. The decision was not unanimous,” revealed vice-president of PZPN Rudolf Bugdol.

Another international team to release new kit information this week is Malaysia. The Malaysian national team have released new home and away kits which combine the pride of Malaysian Football while reflecting a new era of performance and innovation. Showcasing the football association of Malaysia’s tiger crest on the left the jersey incorporates local flavour with the keris featured on the inside bottom left corner, while the away jersey incorporates a striking blue that illuminates the players on the field.

Technology-wise, the kit is constructed in a dynamic fit silhouette that creates greater tightness of the body, allowing maximum movement while reducing shirt pulling by opposition players.

For further football shirt news visit footballshirtculture.com

By James Bailey