AC Milan to compete in women's Serie A for first time

Milan are following the example of clubs like AS Roma, Fiorentina and Juventus, who won the league title in their debut campaign last season.

“AC Milan take another step within FIGC project for the development of women's football in Italy,” the club said in a statement on their website.

The Italian football federation has been undertaking a significant effort in recent years to grow the women’s game.

Twelve teams compete in the women’s Serie A, with the top two at the end of the season qualifying for the Champions League.

Brescia finished runners-up to Juve last month but will now not be able to take up the second European Cup place.

A statement from the FIGC said that Tavagnacco and Fiorentina, who finished third and fourth in the league respectively, will contest a playoff on Saturday for the second Italian entry into next season's Champions League.

(Reporting by Christian Radnedge, Editing by Ed Osmond and Toby Davis)