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Michigan is going to hold three spring practices in Rome, Italy in April.

(Melanie Maxwell | MLive.com)

ANN ARBOR -- Jim Harbaugh's taking his team to Italy.

The football program formally announced Monday a decision to hold three spring football practices in Rome, Italy at the end of April. The actual dates of the trip were not specified, though the program says it will hold its workouts after final exams.

Michigan's final exam periods for the winter semester run April 20-21 and April 24-27.

Per a release, Michigan will practice at facilities owned by AS Roma, a professional soccer club.

"We were looking to provide our student-athletes with a great educational, cultural and international football experience," Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said in a statement. "I am excited that our student-athletes will be able to take advantage of this amazing educational opportunity, be exposed to another culture, and be ambassadors for the United States and the University of Michigan during our visit to Rome."

Per Michigan, the trip will include more than football as the team will "visit historic landmarks, spend time with youth at orphanages, and visit deployed U.S. military in the country amongst other team activities. The experience will culminate with a youth clinic, and the team will play a scrimmage that will be open to the Italian public."

Michigan also says players will have the opportunity to stay overseas for a study abroad program after the practice sessions end.

As a part of this, Michigan will hold a free, open to the public practice April 15 at Michigan Stadium. Time and details have yet to be determined.

This announcement comes less than one week after the NCAA announced its decision to ban off-campus football practices during university-held vacation periods.

Michigan took its football team to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida during its university spring break last year for four practices.

On Saturday, athletic director Warde Manuel -- who stood with Harbaugh against this ban -- said the NCAA legislation would not stop the program from operating with creativity.

"It's flattering in some ways," he said. "We're going to continue to think creatively about what's in our best interest and how we can provide opportunities for our students to participate in athletics. So we're going to keep driving that and we'll let people react as they need to.

"We're going to do things within the rules and we're going to do things that benefit our students."