LIVIGNO TO HOST AC MILAN WOMEN'S FIRST TEAM

Livigno has long been considered an open-air gym, sitting at 1,815m above sea level. It is a beloved destination for sportspeople, who want to build muscle and improve their aerobic performance levels, both thanks to its geographic location and the high-class facilities on offer.

Until 29 July, Livigno will host AC Milan Women's First Team on their summer training camp. Among the new signings, only Sweden international Kosovare Asllani is missing, while Kamila and Michaela Dubcová, Angelica Soffia, Silvia Rubio Avila, Gosia Mesjasz, Valery Vigilucci, Noémie Carage and Marta Mascarello have all started training with the group. The transfer window has served to strengthen the squad, as well as consolidate the group as Laura Fusetti, Linda Tucceri Cimini Christy Grimshaw and captain Valentina Bergamaschi have all signed new deals, while Selena Babb, Gudny Árnadóttir and Noemi Fedele have also all had their contracts extended until 2024.

Laura Fusetti - in her fifth season with the Club - and Christy Grimshaw - who will wear the number 11 for the third year running - today gave a press conference at the Aquagranda Sports Centre. The facility is well loved by athletes, with its 25-metre Olympic swimming pool and a large fitness room. AC Milan Women have, therefore, chosen to train in Aquagranda.

Head coach Maurizio Ganz, Elisabet Spina (Head of Women's Football at AC Milan), Youth Sector Director Angelo Carbone, Mauro Tavola (AC Milan Partnership Director), Mayor of Livigno Remo Galli, and Luca Moretti (President and Administrative Director of APT Livigno) were also all present at the meeting. The key topic of the press conference was the partnership between the famed tourist destination and the Rossoneri for pre-season.  

"We're delighted to be hosting the AC Milan Women's First team, who have chosen Livigno as their base for pre-season. Livigno has always been an internationally-renowned tourist destination that unites leisure and sport, including at a professional level. Throughout the years, we've chosen to invest in infrastructure and services dedicated to sport because we believe in the importance of being active, which is even better when surrounded by a stunning Alpine backdrop," said Livigno's Mayor, Remo Galli. 

"We're pleased to be coming to Livigno for our pre-season training camp. Preparations are going well thanks to the facilities at our disposal, which allow us to train as best possible. The girls have had the chance to work while being immersed in nature, in a jewel of the region. Local culture, nature, sport, gastronomy... We have all of the factors needed for an extraordinary experience, which is sure to have the desired effect," said Elisabet Spina, AC Milan's Head of Women's Football. 

"Having pitches, facilities and equipment that is tailored to how we prepare has been vital and I would like to thank the entire community of Livigno for their hospitality. We've been made to feel right at home - like a real part of the community. Furthermore, training in the mountains has helped us to do our work. The girls have been able to train hard away from the stifling heat of the city," concluded head coach Maurizio Ganz.

This morning, the Rossonere were given the day off and managed to enjoy the wealth of options that Livigno has to offer. After a short hike on one of the trails in the surrounding valleys, the players walked through the streets of the pedestrianised town centre, with over 250 fashion boutiques for a glamorous shopping experience. They visited stores run by local artisans as well as bars and restaurants where they could enjoy traditional cuisine from the local area.

On 28 July, following the training session at 17:30 CEST at the Aquagranda Sports Centre, the Rossonere will host residents, tourists and fans for a meet & greet, during which it will be a requirement to wear a mask. The event will mark the team's desire to get involved with the local community. Training will finish on Friday 29 July, when the team will return to Milan.

The Rossonere's pre-season preparations will continue with two friendlies in the following weeks. On 30 July, AC Milan host newly-promoted Como at Vismara before heading to Bogliasco on 7 August to take on Sampdoria.

On 12 August, with a full squad, the Rossoneri will depart for Louisville, Kentucky, for the Women's Cup. The international tournament will also feature hosts Racing Louisville FC, OL Reign, Tottenham Hotspur, Club América, Tokyo Verdy Beleza. This will be the final section of pre-season before Women's Serie A matchday 1 on 27/28 August.