LOS ANGELES (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – “Criticism? I take it as something positive. There are days when you think, ‘Damn, I don’t understand why they’re saying these things about me.’ But on the days when you’re feeling good, everyone should simply stay quiet.” Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal said this in an interview with Mundo Deportivo ahead of Spain’s World Cup quarter-final against Belgium tomorrow evening.

“I feel great and eager to show what I’m capable of. I believe I can do even better. I’m very demanding of myself. I was out for almost two months, so I need to keep touching the ball, playing, and building up minutes on the pitch,” he added.

The tournament has brought contrasting fortunes for some of football’s biggest veterans. Lionel Messi has reached the quarter-finals with Argentina, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have already exited the competition.

“Everyone knows who Messi is, but no one expected him to be playing at such a high level. I’m really happy for him. But Neymar and Cristiano have also shaped the childhood of every player in today’s game,” Yamal said.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA( MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta recorded a government deficit of €339 million during the first quarter of 2026, while public debt climbed to nearly €11.5 billion, according to figures released by the National Statistics Office.

Government expenditure rose sharply to €2.3 billion between January and March, almost €300 million higher than in the same period a year earlier.

The increase was driven in part by higher intermediate consumption, which includes spending on goods and services such as utilities, maintenance, raw materials and operational services. These costs increased by almost €100 million year-on-year.

Spending on government employees also grew significantly, reaching €644 million, up €35 million from the final quarter of 2025.

Government revenue totalled just over €2 billion during the quarter, slightly above the level recorded a year earlier.

Tax receipts included more than €800 million from income taxes and around €600 million from taxes on production and imports.

Total government debt stood at €11.45 billion at the end of the quarter, an increase of €549 million compared with the same period last year.

Despite the rise in nominal debt, the debt-to-GDP ratio continued to decline, falling to 45.9% from around 46.5% recorded through much of last year.

The ratio remains comfortably below the European Union’s 60% debt threshold, marking the first time in several years that Malta’s debt burden has dropped below 46% of GDP.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Zlatko Dalic’s tenure as Croatia coach ends with the 2026 World Cup (elimination in the round of 32). The coach communicated his decision to Croatian Football Federation President Marijan Kustic during a meeting at the HNS headquarters.

Dalic leaves the most successful coach in Croatian history. Under his leadership, Croatia achieved second place at the 2018 World Cup, third place in 2022, and the 2023 Nations League final, as well as qualifying for the 2020 and 2024 European Championships and the 2026 World Cup.

“This was the most difficult decision of my career. Leading the national team was the greatest honor possible, and I am proud of everything we have achieved in almost nine years: the medals, the great victories, and above all the bond created between the team and the Croatian people,” Dalic said.

The coach then thanked his staff, the Federation, fans, media, and family for their support, dedicating a thought to the players: “I feel privileged to have coached extraordinary men and players, from Modric to the younger ones who are carrying on the legacy of the previous generation.”

Dalic concluded by explaining that, despite the possibility of continuing, he believes this is the right time to close a chapter: “I leave with a heart full of gratitude and with the pride of having contributed to the greatest successes in the history of Croatian football.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença declined to name any candidates, saying only that developments could come by the end of the week. However, according to Portuguese daily A Bola, the decision has already been made: Jorge Jesus will succeed Roberto Martínez as Portugal’s new head coach.

The experienced manager, who recently left Al Nassr, has reportedly agreed to a contract running through 2030, the year Portugal will co-host the FIFA World Cup.

Jesus is expected to earn around €4 million gross per season—roughly one-third of the salary he received at Al Nassr. The 71-year-old has long dreamed of coaching his country’s national team and was therefore willing to make financial concessions to reach an agreement with the federation.

The only remaining issue is believed to be the composition of his coaching staff. Jorge Jesus has reportedly proposed João de Deus and Fábio Jesus as assistant coaches, Márcio Sampaio as fitness coach, and Rodrigo Araújo and Gil Henriques as match analysts.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – After weeks of speculation, the announcement has finally arrived: Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as Fulham’s new head coach, replacing Marco Silva.

The Cottagers complete a Madrid–Lisbon–London managerial chain. Silva has joined Benfica to succeed José Mourinho, who was in turn appointed by Real Madrid to replace Arbeloa.

The 43-year-old Spanish coach has signed a three-year contract running until 2029. The appointment marks the third managerial role of his career, having previously taken charge of Real Madrid from January to May. The former defender was promoted by Florentino Pérez from Real Madrid Castilla—the club’s reserve side, which competes in Spain’s third division—to replace Xabi Alonso.

Coincidentally, Arbeloa will make his Premier League debut against the very Spanish coach whose place he previously took at Real Madrid, as Fulham will host Chelsea on the opening day of the season.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Egypt has not taken kindly to its defeat against Argentina in the World Cup Round of 16, specifically objecting to the officiating by French referee François Letexier and his two assistants, Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni. Immediately after the match, head coach Hassan and Mostafa Zico—who had scored the goal that briefly put the Pharaohs 2-0 up—voiced strong criticism; however, according to AS, the Egyptian Football Association has gone a step further by filing a formal complaint with FIFA.

They are specifically calling for a review of the decisions made by Letexier that disadvantaged Salah and his teammates, as well as the exclusion of the French officiating team from the remainder of the tournament. Egypt is particularly contesting the goal disallowed for Zico in the 58th minute due to an earlier foul flagged by VAR, and an alleged foul on Salah during stoppage time, shortly before Argentina made it 3-2.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Liam Rosenior is returning to France to revitalize his career: he will be the new head coach of Paris FC. After making a name for himself at the helm of Strasbourg—leading them to Conference League qualification—the 41-year-old English manager was hired by Chelsea in January to replace Maresca, only to be dismissed four months later. Now, he has a new opportunity with the Parisian club, signing a contract running until 2028; he takes over from Antoine Kombouaré.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS) – An institutional mission to Cairo by Cultura Italiae, From Egypt to Naples: Cultural diplomacy driving peace and cooperation an NGO recognised by UNESCO and led by its President Angelo Argento, marks “a new and significant step in building an international network of cooperation based on culture as a tool for dialogue, development and peace.”

In a statement, Cultura Italiae said that “thanks to the commitment and vision of the Embassy of Italy in Cairo, it was possible to organise a mission of the highest institutional level, designed to deliver concrete and lasting results in cultural relations between Italy and Egypt.”

Among the most significant engagements were meetings with Egyptian Minister of Culture Gihane Zaki and Mohamed Abou El Enein, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean. Both officials confirmed their participation in SEMI26 – Culture is Democracy, which will take place in Naples on October 23–25.
The organisation also expressed its gratitude to Gennata Migliore, Head of International Relations at Cultura Italiae, and Cristiana D’Attorre, President of Cultura Mundi, the association’s international spin-off, whose preparatory work helped make the mission “one of great political, cultural and institutional value.”

“We are living in a time when wars, geopolitical crises, climate change, technological transformation and growing inequalities require us to rethink the instruments of international cooperation,” the statement continued. “In this context, culture is not a secondary element but a genuine strategic infrastructure for peace.”

According to Cultura Italiae, cultural diplomacy has become one of the most effective forms of soft power, fostering trust between peoples, encouraging dialogue among institutions, promoting mutual understanding and building stable relationships capable of preventing conflict.

“Where politics encounters obstacles, culture continues to build bridges,” the organisation said. Italy and Egypt, it noted, are two great Mediterranean civilizations whose millennia-old histories, archaeological, artistic and scientific heritage, and contributions to European and Mediterranean culture provide a natural foundation for even closer cooperation.
Discussions in Cairo highlighted a shared commitment to developing joint initiatives in the fields of art, audiovisual production, cinema, publishing, education, higher education, research, archaeology, cultural heritage protection and enhancement, cultural and creative industries, digitalization, technological innovation applied to cultural heritage, and scientific diplomacy.

These sectors also represent significant economic opportunities, the statement added. Culture creates skilled employment, supports sustainable tourism, drives innovation, promotes the internationalization of businesses, and strengthens the competitiveness of national economies.

-Photo: Cultura Italiae-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PALERMO (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Italpress has reached a new milestone in its internationalization journey. A cooperation agreement was signed at the agency’s Palermo headquarters with LANA (Libyan News Agency), Libya’s national news agency. This agreement strengthens the dialogue between Italy and Libya in the field of news and information, aligning with a broader strategy of engagement with the Mediterranean region and key international arenas.
The agreement entails a mutual exchange of news, content, and information, aiming to foster a more direct and accurate portrayal of each country. However, the collaboration will extend beyond editorial activities; key aspects of the deal include future training courses, professional exchanges, and potential journalist exchanges, all designed to promote mutual growth and skill enhancement.
For Italpress, this represents another step in consolidating its international network, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean – a region of increasing political, economic, social, and media significance.
“This agreement stems from the deep historical ties between the Libyan and Italian peoples, as well as the established relations between our two states – says Abdul Baset Abudaya, Director of LANA (Libyan News Agency) -. The collaboration with Italpress will enable news about Libya to reach Italy and Europe directly, through an official and authoritative source. At the same time, it will allow the Libyan public to gain a better understanding of the decisions and positions taking shape in Italy regarding the Libyan dossier. We believe this agreement could also lead to significant developments in the field of professional training. We aim to leverage Italpress’s expertise and create growth opportunities for our journalists through courses, meetings, and professional exchanges”.
“We envisioned a collaboration that goes beyond a simple exchange of news, aiming instead to build a structured and enduring relationship – emphasizes Gaspare Borsellino, Director of the Italpress agency -. Our goal is to work together, sharing content, experiences, and expertise. To this end, we plan to organize journalist exchanges and training activities, offering our Libyan colleagues the opportunity to come to Italy and experience our working methods firsthand. There is also a crucial issue at play: migration from Libya to Europe. This topic is often reported in a partial or distorted manner, sometimes even involving fake news. Through this collaboration, we aim to help restore the facts by providing accurate, verified information that reflects reality. I hope this agreement proves beneficial for both agencies and marks the beginning of a long and fruitful journey”. Borsellino also expressed “special thanks to the Italian Ambassador to Tripoli, Gianluca Alberini”, who contributed to this agreement.
“I fully agree with what Director Gaspare Borsellino said regarding the need to counter the fake news circulating about certain issues related to Libya – explains Bader Shniba, Head of the Foreign Media Department at the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs -. Cooperation between Italpress and LANA can play a significant role in this regard, helping to disseminate accurate information and offer a more balanced portrayal of the reality in Libya. We would like to take this opportunity to issue a call to all media outlets and journalists: come to Libya, visit the country, and see the actual situation for yourselves. We are ready to welcome all media professionals who wish to tell the truth and witness firsthand how reality often differs from what is reported abroad”.
Kamal Benalahhar, Libyan Vice Consul in Palermo, and Faek Aboud, consular officer, were also present at the signing of the agreement.
The agreement between Italpress and LANA thus confirms the role of information as a bridge between countries, cultures, and institutions, reinforcing a path of cooperation that views the Mediterranean as a strategic space for dialogue, development, and mutual understanding.

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– photo Italpress –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

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