ROME (ITALPRESS) – Mateu Alemany Font is the new sporting director of Atletico Madrid. The club is thus expanding its management team with the arrival of the former sporting director at Valencia and Barcelona. Carlos Bucero remains general director of sporting affairs, while Severiano Garcia will continue as technical director.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROMA (ITALPRESS) – “I said openly a few weeks ago that I haven’t had any talks with Bayern yet about my contract. But if they want to, I’m open to discussing and having that conversation. Of course, it will depend on how next year goes and what we achieve on the pitch.” These were the words of striker Harry Kane, who joined Bayern Munich in 2023 and is under contract with the Bavarian club until 2027.

“Return to the Premier League? If you had asked me to stay when I moved to Bayern, I would have said ‘yes’ without hesitation. Now, I’m not sure,” added the 32-year-old England international, as reported by German media.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Palestinian flag was raised at the Palestinian Embassy in Malta on Monday evening during an emotional ceremony marking Malta’s official recognition of the State of Palestine.

The event followed Malta’s decision last month, alongside several other nations, to formally recognise Palestinian statehood during a United Nations Conference on the Two-State Solution. Other countries that confirmed their recognition in September included Andorra, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, New Zealand, and San Marino. Australia, Canada, Portugal, and the United Kingdom had already announced recognition the day before.

Speaking at the ceremony, Palestinian Ambassador to Malta Fadi Hanania expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported his nation’s long-standing quest for recognition. “This recognition will not heal all the wounds gripping Palestine,” Hanania said, “but it plants a seed of hope — for a future free of violence, famine, and oppression.”

Hanania became visibly emotional as he reflected on the suffering in his homeland, noting that “recognition will not calm the cries of orphans who lost their parents to Israel’s violence.” Many attendees were seen wiping away tears as he spoke.

Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela also addressed the gathering, describing the decision to recognise Palestine as a “difficult but necessary step.” He emphasised that formal recognition must now be followed by efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire and peace in the region. “Recognition is only the beginning,” Abela said. “The next step is securing permanent peace — and that is indeed achievable.” However, the prime minister faced some disapproval from the crowd when he added that he believes “Israel wants peace as well,” prompting audible boos from several attendees.

The ceremony concluded with the Palestinian flag rising slowly above the embassy grounds — a symbolic gesture marking a new chapter in Malta’s diplomatic relationship with Palestine, and one that many hope will bring the region closer to lasting peace. Suha Arafat, widow of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, was also present.

– photo Palestinian Embassy in Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The health of Boca Juniors coach Miguel Angel Russo continues to be a cause for concern. The 69-year-old Lanus-born coach, who recently returned to the helm of the Buenos Aires team for the third time, is hospitalized “with a reserved prognosis,” the Argentine club announced. The 5-0 home win against Newells Old Boys on Sunday night in Italy was dedicated to him. “The coaching staff is in constant contact with Miguel. He is aware of all the club’s decisions: we love him very much, we want him to get well soon, and we wish him the best,” said his assistant, Claudio Ubeda.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

AMSTERDAM (NETHERLANDS) (ITALPRESS) – Memphis Depay was supposed to start Thursday against Malta, but at most he will start on the bench. The Corinthians striker was supposed to leave Brazil yesterday, after the victory over Mirassol, to join the Netherlands national team, but according to local media, his passport was stolen. Depay will therefore be able to board the plane as soon as he has the necessary travel documentation, and according to the Dutch Football Association, the player should reach the training camp as early as tomorrow. “But he won’t be a starter against Malta,” clarified coach Koeman, who has begun preparing for the match with the other players available.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Bradley Barcola will be unable to be at Didier Deschamps’ call-up for the next two World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland. The PSG striker has not yet recovered from the hamstring injury in his right leg suffered in mid-September against Atalanta in the Champions League. In his place, former Udinese player Florian Thauvin, who played today at Lens, has been called up. Thauvin made his last appearance for the French national team in June 2019.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Xavi is in no rush. Having stepped down as Barcelona manager at the end of the 2023-24 season, the 45-year-old is still waiting for the right call. According to “Caughtoffside,” the former midfielder has reportedly turned down several offers from the Saudi Pro League, preferring to continue his career in Europe. Xavi is particularly interested in a Premier League experience: the former Barcelona manager would be quick to accept a call from Manchester United, where Ruben Amorim’s position is said to be far from secure.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MONTE CARLO (MONACO) (ITALPRESS) – Adi Hutter’s hours are numbered. According to “L’Equipe,” Monaco have already begun the search for a new manager, considering their relationship with the Swiss coach to be over after the 2-2 draw with Nice in the league.

Having arrived in the summer of two years ago and under contract until 2027—a contract extension signed just last January—Hutter’s dismissal would be the price of both his below-average results (13 points in the first seven matchdays and a draw and a defeat in the Champions League) and a less than ideal relationship with the dressing room.

The club has reportedly already identified their new manager: Edin Terzic, the 42-year-old German-Croatian who led Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final in 2024 after finishing second in the 2022-23 Bundesliga season.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TASHKENT (UZBEKISTAN) (ITALPRESS) – Fabio Cannavaro is the new head coach of Uzbekistan, one of the 18 national teams already qualified for next year’s World Cup. The 52-year-old former captain of Italy’s 2006 World Cup–winning side has signed a two-year contract with the Uzbek Federation (currently ranked 54th in the latest FIFA rankings), with an option to extend for a further two seasons.

After an illustrious playing career — highlighted by a World Cup title, the Ballon d’Or, and the FIFA World Player of the Year award — Cannavaro represented clubs such as Parma, Juventus, and Real Madrid, following his beginnings at Napoli and a stint at Inter.

He began his coaching career in 2015 in China with Guangzhou Evergrande, where he was dismissed after 23 matches, before a short spell in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr. He later returned to China, managing Tianjin and then Guangzhou again, winning a league title.

He also briefly served as China’s interim national coach, replacing Marcello Lippi, but resigned after two defeats in as many games. In September 2022, he took over at Benevento before being dismissed. In April 2024, he coached Udinese for six matches, ensuring Serie A survival, and most recently managed Dinamo Zagreb from December 2024 to April 2025 before being let go.

Now, Cannavaro embarks on a new adventure as head coach of Uzbekistan.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has formally submitted its candidacy to serve on the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the 2027–2031 term, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of its membership in the organisation.

The announcement was made by Culture Minister Owen Bonnici, who said preparations will intensify in the coming years to strengthen Malta’s chances of election. The committee, made up of 21 states, oversees the World Heritage Fund and decides on new additions to the World Heritage List.

Bonnici underlined that Malta’s bid reflects a commitment to cultural heritage and multilateral cooperation. He noted that, if elected, Malta’s delegation will combine diplomatic representatives with technical experts in conservation.

The candidacy follows Malta’s recent UNESCO application to recognise its historic fortifications as a World Heritage Site, expanding the country’s presence on the prestigious list. Malta already boasts three sites: the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, the Megalithic Temples, and the capital city Valletta.

Established in 1972, the World Heritage Committee promotes international unity through cultural and natural heritage protection. Elections will take place in November 2027, following negotiations among the 196 states party to the convention.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews