KRONPLATZ, Italy, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Italy's giant ‌slalom world champion Federica Brignone made a strong return to competitive action on ‌home snow on Tuesday in a boost for her Milano Cortina Olympic hopes after ‌a long injury layoff.

The 35-year-old was seventh in the first run of a World Cup giant slalom in the resort of Kronplatz, and fastest of the home skiers.