AC Milan: Christy Grimshaw on club’s ‘special’ maternity policy

Spina said it was important to be proactive on women’s health and provide resources for the future generation at AC Milan.

She hopes their maternity policy will act as a “model” to other clubs and set a precedent within women’s sport.

“We want to contribute and try to change the culture,” she added.

“It is late in a way, but we are happy to be the first that thinks of something like this and to try to change things.

“We started from the point that we didn’t want to wait for something to happen and to then have to solve the problem. We wanted to have an immediate response and try to build it before.”

The club consulted players from the first team and academy on the project – using surveys and discussions to form the final agreement.

Spina – the only female head of football in Italy’s first division – admitted her presence as a woman in a position of influence was an important factor.

“Unfortunately there are not many female sporting directors in Italy. I agree, we are missing more female professionals involved in women’s football and also men’s football,” said Spina.

“I think the men’s game gives us the opportunity to grow but now we can give something back to women’s football.

“We should always have a mix and that is the best choice. It’s why we have other women inside main roles at AC Milan.”