OSLO (NORWAY) (ITALPRESS) – Norwegian football is in mourning: former coach Aage Hareide has passed away at the age of 72, suffering from a brain tumor. A former defender, who played for Manchester City and Norwich in England, he was manager in Norway (Molde and Rosenborg), Denmark (Broendby), and Sweden (Malmo and Helsingborg).

As coach, he led Norway from 2003 to 2008, then Denmark from 2015 to 2019, taking part in the World Cup in Russia, and finally Iceland, from April 2023 to November 2004, when he resigned announcing his retirement. His last coaching role was the 1-0 friendly victory over England at Wembley in June last year.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – No misjudgment: Arsenal fans will soon see the real Viktor Gyokeres. Mikel Arteta has no doubts, even though the 27-year-old Swedish striker – signed for more than €70 million – has so far scored just six goals in 19 appearances, delivering a subdued performance in the recent last-gasp win over Wolverhampton.

“The level of attention on him hasn’t changed from the day he signed to now; that’s normal,” the Gunners’ manager said. “Everyone was very excited about signing a centre-forward, and we brought in a player with an incredible scoring record who needed to adapt to the league. But he didn’t have a pre-season: the first few weeks were difficult because physically he wasn’t at his best, and he’s a player who, like almost everyone in this league, needs to be at peak condition to perform at that level. Then he improved, had a very good spell and got injured,” Arteta recalled.

“Now I’ve seen many positive things in the last two matches he’s played. We need to understand him a bit better in certain situations, and he needs to do the same. But that takes time, and he has our full support.”

For Arteta, the best is yet to come: “Living up to the expectations of joining a big club is different from imagining them. His energy levels and commitment are absolutely top-class and we’re all here to help him, because we’ve all been through it: time is needed. There are always periods when strikers score more goals and others when they score fewer. We have to stay close to him.”

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – There is no “curse.” Scott McTominay is one of those players who has grown significantly after leaving Manchester United, as have Rasmus Højlund, Marcus Rashford and Antony, to name a few. But it is not the Red Devils’ fault if some players find success elsewhere.

“It’s simply too easy to say that we left Manchester United and now we’re doing well,” the Scottish midfielder told CBS Sports in defense of his former club. “Last year I did well: I scored 10 goals and we won the league. With Marcus (Rashford), obviously, there were different issues, but Marcus is a great player and always has been. He’s one of the club’s legends, he’s scored so many goals for Manchester United and done so many great things. Clearly, when players leave and play more matches, their confidence grows and they feel better about themselves compared to when they play fewer minutes at Manchester United. When you’re at United, you have to earn those minutes, like Bruno Fernandes, who has done incredible things.”

“I simply think it’s too easy to blame Manchester United as a club, because when I was there they did everything for me,” McTominay added, having come through the Red Devils’ youth system. “They helped me with nutrition, training, tactics, regardless of who the coach was. Everything is put in place to help you succeed. It’s not that they don’t do certain things that other clubs do. It’s a false myth that you leave and become a better player: in the end, it’s about confidence. If you leave and play every single match and score, and then score again, you feel good about yourself.”

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “It’s just speculation.” Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca responded to recent transfer rumors in a press conference on the eve of their Champions League match against Newcastle, addressing transfer rumors in recent days, in which his name has been linked with Manchester City and Juventus.

“Me replacing Pep Guiardiola? It doesn’t concern me at all: it’s 100% speculation. There’s no time for that right now: first and foremost, because I have a contract here at Chelsea until 2029. I’ve said it many times: my attention is solely focused on this club, and I’m very proud to be here,” Maresca clarified.

“Last week, in Italy, there were the same rumors about Juventus. I don’t pay attention to them, because I know they’re not true. Now it’s important to understand why certain rumors are coming out. But that’s not my job, I’m not interested at all. I have nothing to add,” the Italian manager concluded.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

DOHA (QATAR) (ITALPRESS) – The Moroccan national football team won the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup on Thursday evening at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, defeating Jordan 3-2 after extra time in a hard-fought and action-packed final. The Atlas Lions took the lead early, as early as the fourth minute, thanks to a stunning long-range strike by Oussama Tannane.

Jordan then turned the tables with a brace from Ali Olwan (48th and 68th minutes, from a penalty), putting the Moroccans under pressure. Demonstrating great character, Morocco leveled the scoreline with three minutes remaining in regulation time through Abderrazak Hamdallah, before the former MAS Fez player scored the decisive goal in the first half of extra time (100th minute).

At a press conference, Moroccan coach Tarik Sektioui hailed a victory achieved “against tough opponents and top-level players,” emphasizing the challenges of preparation and absences, as well as the “commitment, sacrifices, and tactical and technical qualities” of his players.

For his part, Jordan coach Jamal Sellami, also a Moroccan national, along with his coaching staff, congratulated the Atlas Lions, highlighting the quality of the performance put on by both teams.

This latest success confirms the high level achieved by Moroccan football, which has racked up numerous triumphs at the continental and international levels in recent years. Against this backdrop, Morocco is now preparing to inaugurate the Africa Cup of Nations on December 21, a competition hosted by the Kingdom and in which the national team is among the main title favorites.

-Photo Map-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Clashes between fans marred the second leg of the Copa Colombia final. At the final whistle, supporters of Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellin invaded the pitch, and violent clashes erupted. According to “El Colombiano,” 59 people were injured at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium in Medellin. Seven police officers who intervened to quell the clashes were among the injured.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta on Friday welcomed an EU agreement to jointly borrow funds for Ukraine, reaffirming its long-standing support for political and financial assistance that fully complies with international law, EU principles and the country’s constitutional neutrality.

Prime Minister Robert Abela outlined Malta’s position during a European Council meeting in Brussels, where EU leaders agreed on a joint borrowing instrument to finance Ukraine’s needs over the next two years, providing predictability and financial stability.

Throughout negotiations, Abela stressed that any Maltese contribution must respect neutrality enshrined in the Constitution, a stance formally recognised in the summit’s adopted conclusions.

In a statement after the meeting, the government said Malta remained in favour of support for Ukraine “through instruments that conform to international and EU law,” quoting Abela as saying the agreement respected the principles Malta had consistently underscored.

Malta had opposed proposals to use seized Russian assets to guarantee a reparations loan, under which it could have been exposed to guarantees of about €170 million. Along with other member states, it urged further examination of alternative approaches compliant with EU and international law.

EU leaders, after overnight talks, failed to agree on using Russian assets to back a €90 billion reparations loan, instead settling on joint EU debt to fund Ukraine. The loan will be interest-free, with repayment envisaged from any future reparations paid by Russia.

Leaders also discussed the Middle East, with Abela warning that the situation remains highly fragile and calling on the EU to use its diplomatic weight to ensure agreed peace measures are implemented without delay.

-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A medical doctor facing charges over the possession of child sexual abuse material has been suspended from all duties in the health sector following a joint investigation by Maltese and Italian authorities.

The medic, whose role placed him in direct contact with patients of all ages, was identified during an international probe. Health authorities acted immediately to safeguard patients after police informed them of the case.

During a search, police found child sexual abuse material on the doctor’s computer, leading to the seizure of electronic devices for further examination. Investigators confirmed the case formed part of a coordinated operation between Malta and Italy.

Under Maltese law, the possession, production, distribution or access to child sexual abuse images is a serious criminal offence regulated by the Criminal Code. Recent legal updates clarify that accessing such material digitally is equivalent to physical possession.

Those found guilty face prison terms of up to five years, with harsher penalties possible where aggravating factors apply, including abuse of a position of trust or authority.

The doctor is expected to be arraigned in court in the coming weeks.

-Photo Police of Malta-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – The Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, in partnership with Tamwilcom, officially launched the “Startup Venture Building” (VB) program in Rabat, a new program dedicated to supporting and financing innovative Moroccan startups. Part of the New Development Model and at the heart of the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, the initiative aims to strengthen the national startup ecosystem through integrated support, from ideation to growth, with the goal of supporting over 800 young businesses in three years. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni emphasized that the program represents a new milestone in Morocco’s ambition to establish itself as a regional hub for digital innovation, creating the conditions for transforming high-potential ideas into competitive businesses. For his part, Tamwilcom’s General Manager, Said Jabrani, highlighted the operational and innovative nature of the program, which combines structured support and targeted funding, including a monthly “living grant” to ensure project participants’ stability.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – On March 27, 2026, World Cup champions Argentina and Copa America holders Argentina and European champions Spain will face off in Doha, Qatar, in the Finalissima.

It will be the fourth edition of a trophy that pits the national teams that triumph in the top competitions for CONMEBOL and UEFA selections. The first was held in 1985 in Paris, with France beating Uruguay 2-0; The second was in 1993 in Mar del Plata, when Argentina prevailed on penalties over Denmark. The third was in 2022 in London, when the trophy was lifted again by the Albiceleste after a 3-0 victory over Italy, led by then-coach Roberto Mancini.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews