Study Guide for

International

Students

Academic Year 2014-2015 Contents

Who we are ………………………………………………………………………………………….3

Courses ...……………………………………………………………………………………………4

Academic Calendar …….…………………………………………………………………….….....5

Arrival in ………………………………………...…………….…………………………...5

Language requirements ...………………………………………………………………………….6

Language test ...……………………………………………………………………………………..6

Deadlines ...………………………………………………………………………………………….6

Requirements for admission ...……………………………………………………………………..6

Enrolment …………………………………………………………………………………………...7

Tuition fees ………………………………………………………………………………………….7

Cost of living ………………………………………………………………………………………..8

Scholarships ………………………………………………………………………………………...8

Residence permit …………………………………………………………………………………...8

Health Insurance …………………………………………………………………………………...9

Accommodation ………………………………………………………………………………….....9

Our English taught Master degree programs ….………………………………………………..10

Courses, Modules and ECTS credits …………………………………………………………….12

Assessment, grades and Transcript of Records ...……………………………………………….12

Student tutor ……………………………………………………………………………...……….13

Facilities ………………………………………………………………………………….…….…..13

Useful contacts …………………………………………………………………………………….15

Useful links ………………………………………………………………………………………...16

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Who we are

Founded in 1998, the University of Insubria places special emphasis on the quality of teaching, which is supported by the quality of research, and has an excellent staff-student ratio. Here you can find Schools, Departments and Research Centers. At Insubria you can study Medicine, Economics, Law, Biology, Communication Science, Informatics, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.

The University is located in Varese and and it experiences a model of organization featuring an original bi-polar network system involving the two main centers of Como and Varese under the single logo of Insubria. The administrative offices and the Rector’s office are situated in the town center of Varese.

The University staff and facilities are now undergoing a full-scale expansion and development in order to adjust to the needs of the constantly increasing number of students and to continue to guarantee a student-centered university.

The Department of Economics -Dept.Eco- is situated in in a campus on the outskirts of the town, near the School of Medicine and the Department of Biology. It is well connected to the town center and the railway and bus stations through public transports (see the paragraph “Useful links- Transport”); the University also provides a shuttle service for students and faculty to and from the railway stations.

Varese lies in northern , on the border of Switzerland, in the lake district rich of green areas and at the bottom of the Alps. http://www.turismo.regione.lombardia.it/en/home/

Varese is also near to the business city of Milan (40 Km; 50 minutes by train).

Varese is very close to the most important hub of south Europe “Malpensa airport” that is linked to the Milan metropolitan area by several shuttle services both by road and rail. http://www.muoversi.regione.lombardia.it/planner/home.do

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Courses

At undergraduate level

o Economia e Management (Economics and Management) It is a three-year bachelor degree course whose main object is to give the thorough knowledge to understand and analyze the complexity of economic mechanisms of the markets. Students attend daytime lessons from Monday to Friday. The course is taught in Italian. See the CLEM's webpage. o Economia e Management (Economics and Management) (part-time) It is a four- year bachelor degree course. Students attend evening lessons from Monday to Friday and on Saturday morning. It is addressed to people who work and study. The course is taught in Italian.

Master Degree courses

o Global Entrepreneurship Economics and Management (GEEM) is focused on entrepreneurship and innovation in an international perspective. This is strictly linked to the ever changing working context and the requirements of national and international companies. GEEM is entirely taught in English. There are two possible specializations:

. Economics of Innovation: provides a qualified learning track in applied research topics on Innovation Economics and International Economics. . International Business and Entrepreneurship: its mission is to form future managers and entrepreneurs with strong skills in management, innovation and internationalization.

This master degree offers to the students the possibility to participate to a double degree (DD) program with the University of Jena (Germany) and, only for Economics of Innovation, with the University of Hohenheim (Stuttgart, Germany). Further information can be found at the GEEM's webpage.

o Economia, Diritto e Finanza di Impresa (Economics, Law and Corporate Finance) provides two specializations that, while sharing many courses, presents also substantial differences. The course in entirely taught in Italian.

. Economia e Diritto di impresa (Economics and Business Law) aims at preparing specialists who have a deep knowledge of economics and business along with a sound knowledge of legal institutes and of the laws that are necessary to correct economic processes. . Finanza, Mercati e Intermediari Finanziari (Corporate Finance, Financial Markets and Intermediaries) is focused on finance and aims at preparing financial consultants, experts in corporate finance and banking management.

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Other special courses in Italian:

 Corso per esami di Stato per Dottori Commercialisti is a course for graduates in Economics. The main object is to give them all the necessary instruments, during the period of apprenticeship, to pass the qualification exams to become a chartered accountant and fiscal expert. Evening lessons are scheduled twice a week and on Saturday mornings.  Master in General Management is a one year course addressed to graduates in subject areas other than Economics who wish to or already have managerial roles in small and medium- sized manufacturing enterprises, including financial services, as well as public companies or consulting firms. Evening lessons are scheduled twice a week and on Saturday mornings.

Academic Calendar

First semester Lectures Mid-term exams Exams January (I and II term) September-December November mid-September–mid-February February Second semester Lectures Mid-term exams Exams May-July (I and II term) February-May March-April mid-February–mid- September September

The academic year consists of two Semesters. Every semester has a 13-week lecture period plus an exam period and a free period (December and August).

Arrival in Varese

Erasmus students are advised to arrive at the University of Insubria-Varese by the end of August for the winter semester, and by mid-January for the summer semester. Double Degree students and foreign students are expected to come at the beginning of September. Erasmus students and Double-Degree students must not forget to give notice of the date and time of arrival via e-mail to the International Relations Office. At your arrival you should register at the International Relations Office. Here you get your student ID, important information and a welcome package. Foreign students are advised to give note of their arrival to the Delegate of the Department Economics for International Relations professor Carlo Brambilla e-mail [email protected] .

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Language requirements

To enrol in the MSc GEEM or in the DD program, students need to prove a good level of English.

Language test

Students enrolling in Italian taught courses need to pass the Italian language test. The test is organized in the first days of September. For additional information check the links www.study-in- .it and International-Relations-Office .

Deadlines

Erasmus students must apply within June 15th for the First Semester or the whole Academic Year and within November 15th for the Second Semester.

Double degree students have to pre-apply on line within June 15th.

Extra EU students have to pre-apply within June 21st. After a positive response students are allowed to enroll between August 1st -October 31st.

Requirements for admission

To enroll to a Master Degree, a bachelor degree or a three-year university degree in Economics or similar is required. Guest students like Erasmus students, free movers or double degree students have to be enrolled as full-time students at their home university.

Erasmus students will find all information at the link incoming-students. They have to hand in their study plan (Learning Agreement) to the International Relations Office in Varese. The delegate for International Relations of the Department of Economics will approve the study plan. The application is on-line.

Double degree students generally spend their second year of Master degree at the partner University. They are selected by their home University. The application form is on-line at the link incoming-students. Students have to send by email the Transcripts of records, the Learning Agreement, the certificate of B2 knowledge of English language and a motivation letter to the following address: [email protected] or [email protected] (at the attention of Mr. Luca Gallo, Head of the International Relation Office) and in CC to [email protected]. Additional information can be found at the link Double Degree PROGRAM-Incoming students.

Extra-EU students holding a foreign undergraduate university degree who would like to enroll at the Master Course in Global Entrepreneurship Economics and Management have to pre-apply to the Department of Economics by sending an e-mail within June 21st to [email protected]. The documents required for the pre-application are: CV in European format, scholastic career (certificate of bachelor degree diploma, transcript of records), a

6 letter of motivation and a letter that states the competence in English language. At the same time extra-EU students have to complete all the formalities at the Italian Embassy in their home country. The decision about admission will be taken from the Faculty Committee once the necessary formalities at the Italian Embassy have been completed. All students will be informed in July by e- st mail in order to formally apply from August 1 at the link enrolment.

EU students holding a foreign undergraduate university degree who would like to enroll at the Master Course in Global Entrepreneurship Economics and Management have to pre-apply to the st st page enrolment from August 1 to October 31 . The decision about admission will be taken from the Faculty Committee.

Enrolment

Foreign students from non EU countries enrolling to an Italian University are required to pre-apply at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their home Country using a specific form by June 30th . For further information please check at the Italian Embassy in your country at the link Visa-for-Italy. Besides the pre-application form students are also required to have a copy of the university degree officially translated in Italian and legalized by the Embassy. It is necessary to ask for the “Dichiarazione di valore in loco”, this is a document issued by the Italian Embassy stating that your title allows you to access to higher education studies in Italy. The Embassy will send to the University of Insubria a list of the students who applied and then will issue a visa for study reasons. Now students can apply at the Students’ Secretariat.

Tuition fees Visiting students (Erasmus and Double Degree students) do not pay any tuition fees for regular courses; they pay enrolment fees and other taxes only to their home university, the University of Insubria does not require any additional fees. Foreign students enrolling at a degree course (Bachelor or Master) at the University of Insubria have to pay university fees as it follows:

 First instalment is a fixed amount of about 655 euros  Second instalment has to be paid by the end of May every year. This is a variable sum depending on the student family income and assets (ISEEU) in relation to the previous year. (Please note that these amounts are subject to change; for up-to-date information check with the Central Administration Offices).

All students have to prove officially their family income by producing all the necessary documents issued by the relevant authorities of the country in which the income was earned, translated into Italian and authenticated in the manner prescribed by law. The documents must then be submitted to a CAAF Office CAAF-Varese which issues the ISEEU certification.

To apply for a reduction of university fees please check the internet site at the page fees where additional information on tuition fees are published.

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Cost of living Once in Varese, you will have to provide on your own for housing, public transportation, meals, medical insurance, books, and personal expenses. The average price per month to rent a single room is about 300 euros plus monthly expenses. Make sure that you have at least 800 euros per month.

Scholarships

Talented students can apply for a scholarship supporting their studies throughout CIDIS or the Department of Economics specific programs. CIDIS is a regional university consortium supporting university students. The University of Insubria has a CIDIS information desk in Varese. The opening hours of the information service are published on the internet site CIDIS-Varese.

Foreign students should apply for a scholarship within October 1st every year. These scholarships are granted to 1st year students on a personal income base, furthermore students are requested to get at least 20 ECTS credits by 10 August of the same academic year. 2nd year students may get a scholarship on a personal income base, and the acquisition of 30 credits and the weighted average of marks. For additional detail see CIDIS- Scholarships-INSUBRIA. The number of scholarships is limited.

The Department of Economics provides a limited number of scholarships for selected students funded by public bodies or by special funded projects (like the Chamber of Commerce of Varese and the Cariplo Foundation). The amount and requisites to obtain such scholarships vary every year according to the availability of funds. For up to date information please check the website of the Department of Economics.

The application time for scholarships may last several months. It is therefore strongly recommended that students collect information while still deciding whether to study in Italy or not, and that they apply for scholarships as early as possible BEFORE coming to Varese.

Residence permit It is a legal document that registers non-EU citizens with the local Italian government officials. The residence permit is usually issued according to the Visa (type and duration) and it is the only document that entitles foreigners to stay in Italy.

After pre-enrollment students will have first to apply for the residence permit at the local Police Department “Questura di Varese” for study reasons (motivations). Students from non EU Countries should apply for Residence Permit within 8 working days from their arrival in Italy (check at the link Residence-permit-foreigners). You can apply at: Municipalities (‘Comune’) which provide this service; Patronati – CAAF- (institutions offering advice and social assistance to workers); Post Offices where you receive the kit containing the application form (Residence-permit_HOW and WHERE).

If you decide to submit the application, for example, at a competent Post Office you will receive a receipt that must be kept with the passport. At the Post Office you will fix an appointment with the Police office located in Piazza Libertà in Varese. There you will deliver your application and inform

8 the police about your address. The residence permit will be generally issued in three months. You will need to have an address where the residence permit can be sent.

While waiting for the residence permit you need to apply for the tax code (Codice Fiscale). The Codice Fiscale is a code made up of letters and numbers on the basis of your first name, family name, date and place of birth and it is used by the Public Administration to identify all the citizens living in Italy. To do so, go to the Tax Office (“Agenzia delle entrate” located in Varese in Via Frattini, 1 - tel: 0332-298411) and apply for your tax code (“Codice Fiscale”). This document is not necessary for pre–enrollment, but you will need it later when you enroll. The tax code is compulsory to sign a rent agreement, open a bank account or, if you wish to have a part-time job, to enter a labor contract. To obtain your tax code you are required to submit an identity document (passport and receipt of residence permit).

Health Insurance

EU and EU-equated Students If you are a European or EU-equated student, you are covered for all necessary care by the Italian National Health Service: you just need to have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is issued by your national health authorities. If you do not have it, you are advised to contact the health service in your country prior to your departure and ask for your healthcare coverage to be extended to Italy. This card ensures that you will have the same access to public health care sector (e.g. access to a doctor, a pharmacy, a hospital or a health care center) as would a citizen of the country you are visiting (you have to pay all the services but you will be reimbursed at home).

Non-EU Students When applying for their residence permit non-EU students are required to provide evidence of Health Insurance Coverage. If you are a non-EU student and you do not have any health insurance, you have different options. The best solution is to obtain a private health insurance policy in your home country before departing and a statement that it covers costs for medical treatment in Italy from your reference Italian Embassy (this statement must also specify the length and the type of services covered); the second option is to acquire a health insurance policy with an Italian company (e.g. INA ASSITALIA) that offers international students a special insurance policy to cover medical assistance in the event of emergency treatment and/or urgent hospitalization.

The third option is the one offered by the Public Sanitary System, that can be bought at the ASL (http://www.asl.varese.it/tematiche/stranieri/) and lasts one calendar year (from January to December). You can apply for this type of insurance only after obtaining the residence permit.

Accommodation

 Student house

From spring 2013 the student house located in the campus is available and a number of accommodation is reserved to foreign students. It is necessary to apply for the housing service on line in the period July-August. For additional information contact [email protected] and have a look student-house_Carlo_Cattaneo (the brochure on the top right page “Volantino Collegio Varese”). The monthly cost for a single room is around 250 euro.

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You can also manage independently to look for an apartment or a room in a shared apartment. In the buildings of the university there are numerous information boards with flyers offering rooms and apartments/shared apartments for rent.

For general information have also a look at: http://www.easystanza.it http://www.secondamano.it/ http://www.ecasa.it/ http://www.affittistudenti.it/ http://www.affitto.it/ http://www.casaswap.com/

Our English taught Master degree programs

 Global Entrepreneurship Economics and Management (GEEM) is a master program that aims at providing future managers, entrepreneurs and applied economics analysts with strong skills in economics, management, innovation and internationalization. Globalization and innovation are the dominant traits of the current market scenario. The program provides a unique set of managerial and economic competences and skills that can be applied in SMEs, large and multinational companies of any industries, startups as well as international and national economic organizations. During the two year program students will have frequent in-depth interactions with companies and other organizations, through workshops, laboratories and internships. The course offers the opportunity of double degrees (with the Universities of Jena and Hohenheim in Germany) and student exchange programs (with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in Dehli, as well as within the LLP/Erasmus Programme.

The program in English is articulated in two specializations: Economics of Innovation, focused on applied economics and International Business and Entrepreneurship, tailored to management and entrepreneurship.

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Economics of Innovation provides a qualified learning track in applied research topics on Innovation Economics and International Economics. The program provides advanced knowledge of industrial economics, innovation processes and interaction among firms, markets and institutions in a context of increasing international competition.

Students in Economics of Innovation are trained to become applied analysts in dynamic innovative business sectors and in local and international institutions and organizations.

The skills acquired during the program will enable graduates to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing economic environment from a macroeconomic perspective (economic growth and international integration) with a high level knowledge of microeconomic mechanisms (new technologies, new markets, new customers and suppliers, international business and de-localization).

Students have the opportunity to apply for DOUBLE DEGREES with the both the University of Jena and the University of Hohenheim (Germany).

International Business and Entrepreneurship aims at providing students with the managerial tools required by companies operating on the international markets. Globalization, Entrepreneurship and Innovation are key competitive factors for all companies - both SMEs and large and multinational companies - and markets - both mature and innovative. The course provides a unique set of managerial and economics competences and skills that can open to multiple career opportunities (as a manager, consultant as well as entrepreneur).

Specifically it provides advanced knowledge in international business, entrepreneurship and startup management, business modeling and business planning, corporate and venture finance, human resources and information systems, international trade and contract law.

Starting from the academic year 2013/14 the whole program is held in English, also with the contribution of Visiting professors coming from foreign universities (such as the San Francisco State University, California, and the IIFT, India). Students will be offered the possibility to participate in student exchange programs (e.g. with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in Dehli) and to spend semesters studying and working abroad. The course offers frequent interactions in class with managers, investors and entrepreneurs as well as internship opportunities.

The opportunity to apply for the DOUBLE DEGREE with the University of Jena (Germany) is also provided.

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Courses, Modules and ECTS credits

Guest students may choose courses from several fields of studies. You will earn ECTS credits for every course, depending on regular participation and the fulfilment of specific requirements (tests, papers, working groups and presentations). The number of credits of each course depends on the in- class hours, workload and type of assessment. Students must earn 120 ECTS credits (CFU) to complete the master degree program and 180 ECTS credits for bachelor degree program. The program is made up of compulsory courses plus some elective courses chosen by the students among those taught in other programs of the Department of Economics or of the University of Insubria. Moreover, an internship equivalent to 6 CFU can be done in firms and institutions in the Insubria region, or in a European country (Erasmus Placement programme).

Assessments, Grades and transcript of Records

Assessment in courses takes place during and at the end of term. The type of assessment varies: you may have a written exam, an oral exam or a written-oral exam. In addition you may be asked to give a talk in class, write a paper or do other things which will be specified by the course professor at the beginning of the term. Make sure you know what you have to do in order to earn the credits you wish to earn. In Italy exams are graded out of 30. The minimum grade needed to pass an exam is 18/30; below this grade, the exam is considered a fail. The maximum grade, meanwhile, is 30/30 or 30/30 cum laude. When you pass an exam even with the minimum grade, you also acquire the number of university credits allocated for that teaching unit. Students have to sign up on-line for exams, enrolment starts 25 days before the date of the exam and ends 5 days before.

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Student tutor

The Department of Economics provides some tutors offering a personalized assistance to students running into difficulties while attending lessons and preparing exams. Each of the four teaching areas (Business, Economics, Law, and Maths/Statistics) have a professor and some tutors supporting students in the learning process, giving advices on study methods and information about the courses. Students have to periodically check the web page for updated information about tutors at the following link: STUDENT-TUTOR

Facilities

E-learning

The University of Insubria provides students with an e-learning service, based on the Moodle platform, that promotes cooperative learning and has several integrated components. It allows students to attend the virtual community of the University and access the contents made available by the professors of the different courses. The service is enriched by the possibility of using multi- media tools, forums, chats, quizzes, and questionnaires and by providing a variety of cooperative activities, helping students in their ideal formative path. The service is available at Insubria e- learning.

University Library

The University Library is made by four Departmental Libraries and it is centrally organized by the SIBA. UL shares its OPAC (Library Catalogue on line) with that of the - Bicocca (OPAC). The Library of the Department of Economics owns more than 15.000 books and journals, most of which are available on open shelves. Students can have access to text books and all the addition reference material and reviews dealing with economics and law that may be useful for personal in-depth-analyses. Further information can be obtained at the Library reference and help desks. The Library provides an Interlibrary Loan (books, journals and request of photocopies of the material), a Document Delivery Service and open access to journals, electronic journals, e- books and databases (InsuB.R.E.). The Library is open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 6 p.m., access is free and students can find an ideal place to study there. The contact is Library Department of Economics.

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Computer Labs

The Department of Economics has two Computer labs where you can get access to a computer for word-processing, improving your knowledge of foreign languages using dedicated software, using specific applications for your courses, or access to the internet, free of charge. Students may bring their laptop computers with them, as they will have the possibility of connecting to the WI-FI in the whole building. The Computer Lab is open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students can access the Language Lab on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Tuesday and Thursday from 9.00 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 12.30 a.m.

University Sport Centre: CUS of the LAKES Varese-Como

Browsing these pages CUS students can find all the necessary information to carry out a sporting activity, including courses, tournaments, skiing holidays and activities carried out for mere play or at a competitive level. Students can practice different sports, the most important are basket, soccer, rowing, athletics, rugby, zumba and pilates. This is a good opportunity to meet friends and to become an integral part of the university life. All sporting events are conducted at the C.U.S facilities and grounds in different areas of Varese. Sign up on facebook_CUS.

Insubriae Chorus

The University Chorus, founded in 2008, is composed of students and graduates, professors and university staff. It is possible to become a member by passing an audition. The choristers meet every Tuesday at 6.00 p.m. in Varese, Via Monte Generoso 71. For additional information Contacts-Chorus.

Canteens and Refectories

- Mensa Università Varese, Via Monte Generoso 71 – Varese. Monday-Friday only for lunch.

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USEFUL CONTACTS

 General information: [email protected]

Telephone 0039-0332395221

 International Relations Office

Via Ravasi 2, 21100 Varese

Office Staff: Mr. Luca Gallo (Head) Ms. Lucia Cortese Tel. 0332 219 340/341 | Fax: 0332 21 9349 | E-mail: [email protected]

 Students’ Manager

via Monte Generoso 71 – 21100 Varese

Tel. 0332 395012 …. | Fax0332 395019 ….

Ms. Raffaella Grillo (e-mail [email protected]) is the Students’ Manager, that is the educational supervisor who is responsible of the organization of all teaching activities of the Department. Her office is located in the same building where the Department of Economics and the classroom are, at the first floor.

 You can also refer to the Professors in charge of the different degree courses:

Giovanna Gavana ([email protected]) and Ivan Moscati ([email protected]) for Economia e Management full-time

Gianluca Colombo ([email protected]) for Economia e Management part- time

Elena Maggi ([email protected]) for Global Entrepreneurship Economics and Management, specialization in Economics of Innovation

Alberto Onetti ([email protected]) for Global Entrepreneurship Economics and Management, specialization in International Business and Entrepreneurship

Cristina Pierro ([email protected]) for Economia, Diritto e Finanza di Impresa, specialization in Economia e Diritto di Impresa

Cristiana Schena ([email protected]) for Economia, Diritto e Finanza di Impresa, specialization in Finanza, Mercati e Intermediari Finanziari

Carlo Brambilla ([email protected]), Delegate for International Relations of the Department of Economics ------

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Useful links

Information

 Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visas for Italy  Italian Ministry of Health – Foreigners in Italy  Italian Ministry of Interior – Immigration  Italian National Police – Entering and staying in Italy  Study in Italy– Italian Higher Education for International Students

Leisure

 Lombardy Tourism Portal  Varese-land-of-tourism  Varese-città-giardino - On-line guide to Varese  Teatro alla Scala – World famous Milan Opera House 

Transport

 Ferrovie dello Stato – Italian Railway Company  Trenord - Local Railway Company  Milan Airports – Linate, Malpensa and Orio al Serio (Bergamo)  Muoversi_in_Lombardia Public Transport in Lombardy  CTPI Varese Public Transport Company  ATM- Milan Public Transport Company

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\\\\\\lf-Service Fashion 3 - Varese. Turno meridiano e serale dal lunedì alla domenica.

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