LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Rodrygo or Leao could be potential targets for Arsenal in the transfer market. According to the English website Caughtoffside, the Real Madrid and AC Milan wingers are tempting Arteta’s Gunners, who are top of the Premier League and Champions League leagues. These aren’t targets for the January transfer window, but for next season.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MIAMI (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – Rodrigo De Paul is a permanent Inter Miami player. Major League Soccer has announced that the club that recently won the MLS title has exercised its option to permanently acquire the Argentine midfielder, who arrived in July of this year from Atletico Madrid and immediately became a champion alongside his friend and national teammate Lionel Messi.

De Paul, who the Colcheneros acquired from Udinese in 2021 for 36 million euros, will play for David Beckham’s club until 2029. According to the Spanish press, Atletico will receive approximately 15 million euros for the sale of the world champion, who played 187 games for the Rojiblancos, scoring 14 goals and providing 24 assists in four seasons.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – People aged 18 to 34 can now freeze their eggs or sperm through Malta’s public health service, a procedure previously limited to patients facing fertility-threatening medical treatment.

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela announced the change, saying early egg freezing could improve future IVF success rates. “Those people who want to have children later in life will have a better chance of succeeding thanks to this measure,” he said.

Abela stressed that the policy involves freezing gametes—not embryos—avoiding ethical issues over disposal when women become ineligible for IVF. Applications will be handled by the ART clinic within Mater Dei Hospital’s IVF department.

He added that frozen gametes maintain high quality for several years.

Equality junior minister Rebecca Buttigieg said the measure responds to a trend of people postponing parenthood. “This is a sort of insurance so that when the time comes and IVF is needed there is a better chance of getting pregnant,” she said.

While not a cure-all, Buttigieg said the initiative could help improve Malta’s fertility rate and called it a social measure. She noted that egg and sperm freezing, once accessible mainly to those who could afford private treatment, will now be available to all.

– Photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled “Itri,” the official match ball of the Africa Cup of Nations, which will kick off on 21 December in Morocco. A concentrated expression of Moroccan identity, the ball pays homage to zellige, the country’s traditional mosaic art, through geometric patterns and a red-and-green palette inspired by the national flag. “Itri,” which means “star” in Amazigh, evokes the ambition and radiance of Morocco as it hosts the tournament through 18 January 2026. The ball will make its debut in the opening match between the Atlas Lions and Comoros.

Equipped with Puma’s Orbita 6 technology, already used in top-level competitions, the ball blends tradition and innovation, featuring a texture designed to ensure precision, stability, and lightness. Through its “Flow of Movement” motifs, “Itri” also reflects the rhythm and fluidity of African football. More than just a match ball, it stands as a symbol of Moroccan heritage that will illuminate this historic edition of the tournament.

– Photo Map –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Lithuania and Italy are seeing rising interest in creating new opportunities within their bilateral relationship. This was stated by Lithuania’s ambassador to Rome, Dalia Kreiviene, in an interview with Claudio Brachino for Diplomacy Magazine, the geopolitics section of the Italpress news agency.

“The dialogue between Lithuania and Italy is currently particularly dynamic, marked by frequent contacts and a growing mutual interest in jointly addressing the major European and global challenges,” the ambassador noted. “Our president, Gitanas Nausėda, has made two visits to Italy this year. He met with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and, during his most recent visit, with President Sergio Mattarella. These high-level meetings reflect the growing interest of both countries not only in consolidating existing ties, but also in creating new opportunities for cooperation in key sectors such as innovation, the defence and security industry, life sciences, and all the other sectors important to our nations. Today we are partners within the European Union and allies in NATO, united even more closely by current geopolitical challenges, particularly Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” said the head of the diplomatic mission in Rome.

“I would like to stress that Russia represents a threat not only to neighbouring countries, but to all of Europe, and if we allow Russia to change Europe’s borders by force, we put global sovereignty at risk,” Kreiviene continued. “Strengthening Ukraine’s position is therefore essential to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace agreement, which will not only help Ukraine but also contribute to the security throughout Europe. At the same time, we must reinforce our collective commitment in the field of defence and security,” she concluded.

Turning to bilateral relations, Italy confirmed its position in 2024 as the 13th-largest destination market for Lithuanian exports, with total bilateral trade amounting to around €2.2 billion. According to the ambassador, “more can be done.”

“Our goal is for Italy to enter Lithuania’s top ten trading partners. I believe growth can be accelerated by strengthening cooperation in sectors where Lithuania is strong. For example, I would highlight life sciences, engineering, high tech, automotive, information and communication technologies, and, as I have already mentioned, the defence industry, cybersecurity and space technologies. In today’s complex geopolitical context, the defence industry plays an even more important role and Lithuania is significantly increasing its defence spending. We see many opportunities for collaboration with Italian industry, not only in procurement but above all in joint industrial projects. We also want a stronger Italian presence in Lithuania. I believe these industrial collaborations, joint research projects, trade missions and new investments are key tools to boost these figures and bring our economies even closer,” the diplomat said.

The presence of around 50 Italian companies in Lithuania is a positive factor, but investment levels remain below potential, the ambassador added. “We see Italy as a country with great industrial potential. Italy invests heavily abroad, and I am convinced that opportunities in our country remain underexploited,” she said, citing among the companies already operating in Lithuania the Menarini pharmaceutical group and the Fos group in the biomedical sector.

“There are various agreements between business organisations, such as the one between the Lithuanian and Italian life sciences clusters. In the defence sector as well, there are memorandums of understanding signed in Rome last October. These agreements provide an excellent basis for developing joint projects and confirm that mutual interest is growing,” she noted.

“I would say Lithuania is a strategic choice for Italian entrepreneurs. We offer a stable environment, competitive costs and a skilled workforce. Thanks to the Green Corridor legislative package, large investments can benefit from a zero-percent corporate tax rate for 20 years,” she added, also citing “fast procedures” and simplified administrative pathways. “Furthermore, the state agency Invest Lithuania supports companies at every stage,” she said.

On the Lithuanian business side, Kreiviene observed that companies view the Italian market as “a focus” for their expansion, particularly in the field of digital technologies. “A good example is the opening of the new Milan office of Teltonika, a Lithuanian group specialising in digital technologies and the so-called Internet of Things,” she added.

The relationship between the two countries cannot overlook the cultural dimension, as demonstrated by the Lithuanian Culture in Italy programme promoted by the Lithuanian Culture Institute and the Embassy. “Its aim is to initiate an authentic and lasting dialogue between the Lithuanian arts scene and the Italian cultural landscape. Through cooperation between the Lithuanian Culture Institute and the Lithuanian Embassy in Italy, our artists will be featured in festivals, museums, theatres and cultural venues,” she explained.

“This approach enables organic exchanges, sustainable professional relationships and the sharing of ideas, values and visions for the future,” the ambassador concluded.

– Photo Italpress –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NANTES (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – The second coaching change in Ligue 1 has taken place. After Monaco, which hired Pocognoli in place of Hütter, it is now Nantes’ turn, having dismissed Luis Castro. Saturday’s defeat to Lens proved fatal for the Portuguese coach, leaving the Canaries in last place alongside Metz with 11 points and only two wins in 15 matchdays.

Ahmed Kantari, previously assistant to Kombouaré from January to last May, will take his place on the bench, with Eric Blahic and Stephane Mangione serving as his assistants. Kantari will make his debut in tomorrow’s early match away against Angers.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

CASABLANCA (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Coinciding with the 2025 Africa Sports Expo, Morocco will host Africa Sports Expo 2025 from December 18 to 20, the largest sports trade show ever held on the continent. The event, held at the Casablanca International Fair, will bring together 180 exhibitors from 20 countries, 100 speakers, and numerous activities across a 15,000-square-meter space. Designed as a platform dedicated to sport, innovation, and investment, the trade show aims to become a key event for the African sports ecosystem.

France will be the guest country of honor, with a strong institutional and professional presence. Highlights of the event include the Sports & Careers Forum, the Africa Stadiums & Arenas Forum, and the Africa Football Forum, which will bring together leaders of continental football. The program also includes the Predator Morocco Freestyle Football Championship, a spectacular event that combines sport and urban culture. For this 2025 edition, France is the guest of honor, demonstrating the organizers’ commitment to strengthening ties between the Moroccan, African, and European sports ecosystems. The French delegation will be well represented, with 35 exhibitors and over 40 experts and speakers involved during the event.

According to Mehdi Sekkouri, CEO of Stadia and organizer of Africa Sports Expo 2025, quoted in the press release, the event goes far beyond a simple trade show. “Africa Sports Expo 2025 is much more than a trade fair: it is an international platform that brings together sports professionals, experts, and enthusiasts to create opportunities and share experiences. We are proud to offer such a major event in conjunction with the Africa Cup of Nations, where innovation and networking will be at the heart of all activities.”

-Photo Map-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – According to a Eurobarometer survey, most Maltese reported no change in household income over the past year, while nearly a third believe 2026 will bring an improvement.

The survey highlights a strong sense of economic stability. According to the data, 62% of Maltese reported unchanged income in 2025, seven points higher than the previous year and second only to Portugal’s 68%.

The eurozone average stands at 54%. Only 17% reported an increase in income, slightly below the 2024 figure and well below the eurozone average (22%). Croatia (40%) and Lithuania (33%) recorded significantly higher increases. Meanwhile, 21% expect a decline, slightly higher than the eurozone average (20%) but lower than Greece (31%) and Italy (28%).

The findings suggest that, despite last year’s tax cuts, income growth in Malta remains limited, with inflation continuing to erode any benefits. Looking ahead, 30% of respondents expect income to rise in 2026, one of the highest levels of optimism in the eurozone. Only Lithuania, Estonia, Croatia, and Ireland report higher levels.

However, 18% fear a decline—above the eurozone average (14%)—placing Malta among the most cautious countries, alongside Luxembourg and behind Greece and Italy, both at 23%. A slim majority, 52%, expect no change. Inflation expectations remain mixed: 43% of Maltese expect prices to rise this year, stable compared to the previous survey but lower than the eurozone average (50%).

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Sergio Ramos has ended his time in Mexico with Monterrey, but not his career. At 39, he could restart in the Premier League. According to Spanish portal “Fichajes.net,” Manchester United are reportedly considering the former Real Madrid and PSG player, who have been working on an offer for a few weeks. Despite strong interest from Boca Juniors, Ramos would like to return to Europe, and the Red Devils option would be more than welcome, with the Spanish center-back ready to lend his experience to a rebuilding team.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIYADH (SAUDI ARABIA) (ITALPRESS) – “Salah would be welcome. It’s up to the clubs to handle negotiations with the players, but Salah is certainly one of their targets.” Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, at the World Football Summit in Riyadh, opened the door to the arrival of the 33-year-old Egyptian striker, who had previously been pursued and is now at odds with Liverpool.

Not all clubs, however, appear to be interested: Ben Harburg, president of Al-Kholood, has expressed opposition to the move. “He’s 33 years old, paid a fortune at Liverpool, and since then he’s performed far below expectations,” he said, as reported by the BBC at the Riyadh event. “I understand those who appreciate his media appeal and the fact that he comes from the Arab region, but I don’t think he’s suited to our league. If I had to choose between him and Vinicius, I’d take Vinicius. I hope we focus on young players, 25-year-olds, representing the new generation, rather than players like Salah, for whom this would certainly be the last step in their careers.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews