SALVADOR (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the Brazil national team, attended the Salvador Carnival, where he watched the parades from a VIP box. The Italian coach interacted with artists Bell Marques and Léo Santana; the latter took the opportunity to ask for Neymar’s inclusion in the team, which brought a smile to Ancelotti’s face: “Thanks for the advice.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – The atmosphere in Paris was heated after Paris Saint-Germain‘s abrupt defeat, a surprise defeat by Stade Rennais and forced to relinquish their top spot in the table. At Roazhon Park last night, PSG were unrecognizable, a distant relative of the team that only a few days earlier had swept De Zerbi’s Marseille with a 5-0 victory. Among the stars of the evening was Ousmane Dembélé, welcomed with full honors by the fans of the club that trained him before his transfer to Borussia Dortmund. The Frenchman, now the Ballon d’Or winner, scored PSG’s only goal, which was immediately cancelled out by Embolo’s final 3-1 victory. After the match, the striker didn’t hide his frustration and spoke bluntly: “Last season, we put the club before ourselves. We need to rediscover that spirit, especially in games like this.” His analysis became even more direct: “We need to show more desire. If everyone plays for themselves on the pitch, it won’t work; we won’t win the titles we want.”

These statements didn’t go unnoticed and prompted an immediate reaction from coach Luis Enrique. At the press conference, the coach responded peremptorily: “I will respond in Spanish. I will not allow any player to harm the club or stand in its way!” He then further clarified his position: “I am very clear on this. I am responsible for the team. Those statements are worthless. They stem from frustration over the match that just ended.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – It’s official: Igor Tudor is the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur. The London club announced that the Croatian coach has signed a contract until the end of the season. He is therefore the successor to the sacked Thomas Frank. Tudor returns to the bench, nearly four months after being sacked by Juventus. “Tudor joins us with a clear objective: to improve performance, achieve results, and help us climb the Premier League table. His mandate is simple: to bring organization, intensity, and competitiveness to the team at a crucial stage of the season,” Tottenham wrote in the statement announcing his appointment.

“It’s an honor to join this club at such an important time. I understand the responsibility that has been entrusted to me, and my objective is clear: to bring greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match. There is great quality in this team, and my task is to enhance it on the pitch, inject energy into them, and improve our results as quickly as possible”, Tudor said.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The Jordan-EU Investment Conference, scheduled for April 21, represents “a flagship platform to mobilise European private sector investment, showcase bankable opportunities, and facilitate concrete announcements and agreements”. This is the opinion of Jordanian Ambassador to Rome, Kais Abu Dayyeh, interviewed by Italpress agency ahead of the economic event to be held on the shores of the Dead Sea.

The event is part of a new chapter in relations between Amman and Brussels, opened on January 29, 2025, with the consolidation of a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP). A year later, on January 8, 2026, a new milestone was reached with the Jordan-EU bilateral summit, attended by Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa on behalf of the European institutions, while Jordan was represented directly by King Abdullah II. “The Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership reaffirmed the deep-rooted partnership between the European Union and Jordan, representing a new starting point toward an even more constructive and mutually beneficial future across all areas of cooperation”, said the Jordanian ambassador.

“It elevated our engagement from strong cooperation to a structured, multi-pillar partnership with a clear political and economic agenda and dedicated support. It is built around Strategic pillars, including economic resilience, trade and investment. From Jordan’s perspective, this framework reflects mutual trust and the EU’s recognition of Jordan as a reliable, stable partner in a turbulent region—while enabling both sides to focus on tangible outcomes that support competitiveness, job creation, and sustainable growth”, the diplomat continued. While the January 8 summit confirmed the shared commitment to deepening political and economic ties, the April 21 Investment Conference is expected to be the platform of choice for translating existing economic opportunities into concrete terms.

“Most prominent sectors in the conference will be: Water (including strategic water solutions), Energy (renewables, transition projects), Digital & technology, Transport, logistics, and regional connectivity, High-value industries such as critical minerals, fertilizers, food processing, and pharmaceuticals”, explained the head of the Jordanian diplomatic mission in Rome. “We should expect a deal-oriented forum focused on partnerships, project pipelines, and investor matchmaking—not a ceremonial event”, he emphasized.

According to Ambassador Abu Dayyeh, with this event, Jordan expects to move “from broad political alignment into measurable economic impact”, strengthening trade and investment cooperation as well as economic resilience. “As His Majesty has underlined, the priority is to translate the partnership into outcomes that serve both peoples and contribute to stability and prosperity, while advancing Jordan’s modernisation priorities and building a stronger platform for sustainable growth. That means long-term cooperation in priority sectors identified for investment”, the Jordanian ambassador to Rome reiterated. Regarding relations with Rome, Abu Dayyeh specified that “Jordan views Italy as a key European partner with significant potential to expand economic cooperation”, particularly in trade, investment, tourism, and cultural cooperation. “In the renewed EU–Jordan context, the April conference provides an additional, practical channel to deepen Jordan–Italy business linkages: encouraging Italian investors and companies to engage in Jordan’s priority sectors and to explore opportunities through structured B2B meetings and bankable project offerings aligned with the wider EU–Jordan economic agenda”, the ambassador concluded.

-Photo Embassy of Jordan in Rome-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – From Juventus to Tottenham, and at least initially with the same role, Igor Tudor is one step away from the Spurs bench. According to the Daily Mail, the London club is considering the Croatian manager, offering him the role of interim manager following the dismissal of Thomas Frank.

The former defender is reportedly in pole position, but other options include former Leipzig player Marco Rose and former Borussia Dortmund player Edin Terzic. These are experienced and talented coaches who, if they perform well, would earn confirmation and a permanent appointment. There’s also the possibility of Roberto De Zerbi, fresh from his separation from Marseille, but, according to the Daily Mail, there are concerns at the club.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela called for a strategic European Union response to rapid global geo-economic and geopolitical shifts during an informal summit of EU leaders in Belgium.

Speaking at the historic Alden Biesen castle, Abela said the EU must remain resilient and effective amid fast-evolving global developments that are directly affecting businesses and competitiveness, particularly in smaller economies such as Malta.

The summit, convened by European Council President Antonio Costa, centred on strengthening the Single Market and enhancing Europe’s competitive edge.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Dr Abela said long-term competitiveness and the future of the Single Market dominated discussions, with energy emerging as a central theme.

He noted that several leaders highlighted rising energy prices and the absence of a fully-fledged energy union, adding that Malta’s decision to keep energy prices stable in recent years had proven prudent.

Artificial intelligence was another key topic, with Abela pointing to the importance given to AI in Malta’s latest budget.

He stressed that investment in AI was not about replacing jobs but creating more attractive employment opportunities and improving wages, while underlining the need for reskilling and upskilling.

While some view technological change as a challenge, he described it as “the greatest opportunity of our generation”.

Former Italian prime ministers Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta also addressed leaders, sharing their perspectives on the Single Market and competitiveness.

Abela further cited a recent International Monetary Fund decision to conduct Malta’s economic assessments every two years instead of annually, describing it as a sign of confidence in the country’s economic trajectory to 2030.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola urged decisive action to ensure Europe remains globally competitive, calling for an ambitious trade agenda delivering tangible results for businesses and families.

The outcomes of Thursday’s meeting are expected to inform formal European Council discussions next month, where leaders will continue efforts to bolster competitiveness and economic resilience.

-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A flight from Brussels carrying Prime Minister Robert Abela was forced to circle over Malta for 45 minutes before landing safely at Luqa Airport on Thursday night as gale-force winds battered the island.

The aircraft touched down on its third attempt, as powerful gusts swept across the country, reaching up to 96km/h, according to the Meteorological Office.

A red weather warning was issued overnight by the Met Office and the Civil Protection Department (CPD), as winds intensified across exposed areas.

Despite the severe conditions, police and CPD spokespeople confirmed on Friday morning that no injuries were reported.

CPD officials, however, faced a demanding night, responding to multiple incidents involving fallen trees and hazardous billboards blown into the streets.

By Friday morning, the red warning was downgraded to orange. The Met Office said very strong west-northwest winds would persist until 1pm, at times reaching gale force, particularly in exposed areas.

Wind strength is forecast to ease slightly on Saturday, dropping to force four to five and shifting between south-southeast and west-northwest.

Conditions are expected to deteriorate again on Sunday, with winds forecast to reach force seven from a west-northwest direction.

Strong winds ranging from force five to seven are also predicted for Monday and Tuesday.

The CPD urged the public to avoid working at heights, including rooftops, balconies and scaffolding, and to steer clear of shorelines and breakwaters due to dangerous sea conditions.

Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items and exercise caution while driving, particularly in open areas prone to sudden crosswinds.

-Photo Civil Protection Malta-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS) – The Israel Football Association has reportedly received an optimistic message from UEFA, European football’s governing body, stating that a decision in principle has been made that teams qualifying for European competitions this summer will have to prepare for the return leg of their matches in Israel.

The news was reported by the daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth and the Ynet portal. This marks a significant policy shift for the first time in three years, since matches were suspended in the country following the October 7 massacre.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ITALPRESS) – A few days after permanently leaving Chelsea by terminating his contract, Raheem Sterling has agreed to join Feyenoord until the end of the season. According to the English tabloid The Sun, the 1994-born player will move to Rotterdam until the end of the season, where he will join Robert Van Persie’s team.

The former Arsenal and Manchester United player played a key role in the negotiations, convincing the English winger to join the Eredivisie, beating off competition from several other clubs such as Everton and West Ham, who had contacted the player even before he left the Blues. Napoli and Juventus had also showed interest in the former City and Liverpool player during the January transfer window, but never really made the move.

His short-term contract and the chance to return to his best form away from the spotlight of the Premier League and in a league that isn’t at the same level as the English one are the two factors that have played in Feyenoord’s favor, second in the standings and engaged in a near-impossible comeback attempt against PSV, first with 59 points, 17 more than Van Persie’s team has collected so far. Sterling will join Ayase Ueda, the Japanese striker and the Eredivisie’s top scorer with 18 goals.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Relations between Italy and Chile are “excellent” and deeply rooted in history. This is the opinion of Chilean Ambassador to Rome, Ennio Vivaldi, interviewed by Claudio Brachino for Diplomacy Magazine, the geopolitical column of the Italpress agency.

The history of Italian-Chilean political and diplomatic relations is marked by closeness, Vivaldi observed, demonstrated by Italy even “in very difficult times.” It is a relationship also based on exchanges between communities, and the Italian community in Chile comprises approximately 1,400,000 people, mostly descendants of Italian emigrants.

“Italy has played a very strong role in the history of Latin America. The Italians who arrived in Chile, including my grandparents, have created a very positive image of Italy. They have integrated into the culture and society, and many of them have become important figures in the country’s history,” commented Vivaldi, whose family is originally from Arma di Taggia.

Even from an economic perspective, geographical distances are being overcome by lively interaction, with trade totaling over €2.8 billion according to 2023 data. Chile shows great potential for investment in various sectors, starting with renewable energy, as the ambassador explained.

“To date, 60 percent of the solar energy produced in Latin America comes from Chile,” he specified, also highlighting its capabilities in the hydroelectric and wind energy sectors. Italy has a solid presence in Chile, with approximately €15 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) as of 2022, concentrated in energy, but also in infrastructure and agribusiness.

Looking at trade in 2023, Italian exports to Chile grew by 10%, reaching €1.9 billion, with the main items being industrial machinery and equipment, components, but also fashion and furniture. Imports from Chile have stood at around €900 million, with copper, cellulose, wine, and agricultural products among the main items.

According to Vivaldi, a diversification of imports and exports is underway with Italy, thanks in part to the work of investment and trade agencies. “Previously, only copper and other raw materials like lithium were exported from Chile. In recent years, the diversification of the economy and the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises have marked significant progress,” the ambassador said.

A further boost in trade is expected with the ratification by EU member states of the agreement signed in 2023 between the European Union and Chile. As two-term rector of the University of Chile, the head of the diplomatic mission in Rome could not help but emphasize the importance of cultural exchange between the Italian and Chilean peoples.

The Latin American country boasts two Nobel Prizes in Literature, one awarded to Pablo Neruda and the other to poet Gabriela Mistral, the first woman in Latin America to receive the global recognition. Chile’s cultural tradition is solidly rooted in its universities, which, according to Vivaldi, represent much more than an institution dedicated to teaching.

“No one would say that Italy is the product of La Sapienza University or that France is the product of the Sorbonne, but to say that Chile is the product of the University of Chile… perhaps it wouldn’t be so wrong. Universities have contributed to the creation of the health system, the education system, they have the symphony orchestra, the museum of contemporary art,” the diplomat explained.

“Italy can manufacture things here and then sell them in Chile. It can bring an Italian factory to Chile and create jobs. But I think true progress occurs when Chile becomes involved in the development of cultural, scientific, and technological subjects. This truly brings Chile a step forward on the path of progress,” the ambassador stated.

“We’ve now initiated a relationship between Chilean public universities and Italian universities. I think this is the right path,” Vivaldi concluded.

-Photo Italpress-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews