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

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

She hopes that her maternity policy will serve as a “model” for other clubs and set a precedent in women’s sport.

“We want to do our part and try to change the culture,” she added.

“In some ways it’s late, but we’re happy to be the first to think of something like this and try to change things.

“We started from the assumption that we didn’t want to wait until something happened and then have to solve the problem. We wanted to react immediately and try to build it up beforehand.”

The club consulted first-team and academy players about the project and reached a final agreement through surveys and discussions.

Spina – the only female football boss in Italy’s top division – admitted that her presence as a woman in an influential position was an important factor.

“Unfortunately, there are not many female sporting directors in Italy. I agree, there is a lack of more female professionals in women’s football and also in men’s football,” said Spina.

“I think men’s football 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. That’s why we have other women in leading roles at AC Milan.”