Who produces the names and numbers on club jerseys?

We are so used to buying a finished product, like a football jersey, that we rarely stop to think about how much work goes into perfecting the details. For instance, we discovered that in a small town in the Milan hinterland lies the headquarters of Stilscreen, part of the Flexdev group: a company that has been producing heat-transfer graphics for over 45 years, used to decorate sportswear, fabrics, and materials employed in various industries. And yes, Stilscreen’s main clients include some of the biggest names in global football: from Serie A clubs to global brands, and even the leagues themselves.

We visited the company and had the chance to interview Ugo Pongolino, CEO and a key figure behind Stilscreen’s exponential growth, particularly regarding its recognition and international presence. Before entering the core of the company—the production side—we asked Ugo to tell us how a company like Stilscreen is managed and what it takes to become number one in this specific sector.

Which is the partner you've worked with the longest?

Inter, Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus, for sure. Also Roma, with whom we had paused the relationship, but then resumed it. We don’t have a specific preference.

What moment made you realize that Stilscreen was expanding?

The key turning point was starting to work with brands. That’s what really propels you forward. As long as you work with a single team, you operate locally. It’s the brands that give you that international scope and recognition that truly elevate your company’s status.

In terms of production, what has been the most complex stage?

Improvements in the production chain are never isolated or accidental. For instance, we are vertically integrated in transfer technique: we produce the colors in-house all the way to the finished product. Regarding machine technology, we are always attentive to innovations to ensure we're at the cutting edge. Being part of the Flexdev group—alongside companies like Emblem Source, Monblason, Elms, and Aneyron, which operate in the same field but in different markets—has allowed us to maintain an extremely high-quality level over time.

Is the company goal-driven, or does growth happen organically?

Of course, we work based on objectives. And beyond being a product-driven business, it’s also a complex exercise in public relations — almost a diplomatic job. Clubs get to know you and learn to keep you in mind. PR is essential: everything begins there — from the first negotiation to pricing, service, and the product. The relationship with clubs and federations is, first and foremost, a human one.

How is a football jersey made? What role does creativity play at Stilscreen?

A football jersey is manufactured by suppliers — in South America, the Far East, etc. But first, as you know, there’s a concept and design phase, developed through focus groups years before the official launch. Our part involves the creation and development of textile embellishments, such as name and number kits. Even here, creativity plays a key role. We often work with federations to revise fonts or join creative briefings with football clubs. One example? The AS Roma font, redesigned in collaboration with the club last season. Creativity is essential, but so is technical precision. We work on an industrial scale, but with an artisanal philosophy.

What’s the creative challenge you’re most proud of?

Without a doubt, the project where we worked on elite adidas national team kits, including Italy’s. We used our own patented technology, called FlexNet, which allowed us to achieve a three-dimensional surface effect on a flat transfer. It feels smooth to the touch but visually gives a 3D impression. It’s a technology that made a real difference. Italy is currently playing its matches wearing that jersey.