ROME (ITALPRESS) – Rabat is hosting “Le Marathon du cinéma,” the first major initiative of the new Cinémathèque Marocaine, a recently established institution dedicated to promoting cinematic heritage. The festival, which will run until December, features 100 films that tell the story of a century of world cinema, with works ranging from silent film pioneers to new voices from Africa, the Arab world, and Asia.

The official opening of the programme will take place on Sunday, September 28 at 3:00 p.m. with Giuseppe Tornatore’s “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso,” screened in the Cinémathèque Marocaine in Rabat. As the first film of the Marathon and the inaugural screening of the new institution, this recognition places Italy at the centre of this international cultural initiative. The programme will also pay tribute to the great Italian masters—Vittorio De Sica, Federico Fellini, Michelangelo Antonioni, and Luchino Visconti—who helped shape the history of world cinema.

“The launch of Le Marathon du cinéma with Nuovo Cinema Paradiso is a strong signal of the cultural closeness between Italy and Morocco. It is an honour for us and highlights the role of the great Italian masters in the international dialogue of cinema. In 2025, we celebrate the 200th anniversary of our diplomatic relations: culture and creativity will be at the heart of these celebrations, bearing witness to the friendship that has united our two countries for two centuries,” said Italy’s Ambassador to Rabat, Pasquale Salzano.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Giovanni Leoni’s season is already over, Ibrahima Konaté’s contract expires in June and he is being courted by Real Madrid, so Liverpool are looking around to strengthen their back line.

At the top of the list remains Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace’s centre-back who was strongly pursued during the summer: according to English media, the Reds could revive their interest in January, backed by the player’s desire to move on. On the final day of the summer transfer window, Guehi came very close to joining Anfield in a deal worth around €40 million.

Another name under consideration is Ronald Araújo, Barcelona’s defender who is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Tottenham: for the Blaugrana, the Uruguayan is not untouchable, provided an offer of €50-60 million arrives.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The visit of President Sergio Mattarella to Kazakhstan on September 29–30, 2025, “has a symbolic significance.” This was stated by Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Italy, Yerbolat Sembayev, in an interview with the Italpress agency.

“This is the first visit of an Italian Head of State in the past 28 years: the last one was in 1997, when our country was visited by President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro. This fact highlights the high level of trust between our countries and the desire to deepen the partnership,” he noted.

According to Sembayev, President Mattarella’s official visit is the natural continuation of active political contacts at the highest levels. “In September 2023, Kazakhstan hosted the visit of Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. It was the first visit of an Italian Foreign Minister to Kazakhstan in 25 years, important from the perspective of strengthening our strategic partnership,” the Ambassador said.

He also recalled that on May 30 of this year, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid an official visit to Kazakhstan. “The visit marked an important stage in the development of relations between Kazakhstan and Italy and was characterized by a series of key events. In particular, there were high-level bilateral talks, participation in the first Central Asia + Italy summit, and the Italian Prime Minister’s speech at the plenary session of the Astana International Forum,” observed the head of the diplomatic mission in Italy.

“The official visit of President Sergio Mattarella to Kazakhstan takes place in the context of the European Union’s active engagement with Central Asia, where Kazakhstan plays a key role as a stable, reliable, and responsible partner. We are confident that this summit will give new momentum to political dialogue, deepen mutual understanding, and open up new opportunities in a wide range of fields, from energy and logistics to education, science, and culture,” he added.

Kazakhstan and Italy, Sembayev emphasized, “share common principles: respect for international law, sustainable development, economic openness, and dialogue.” In this context, he noted, “President Mattarella’s visit confirms the high level of relations between Kazakhstan and Italy and the will to further develop them in a spirit of friendship and mutual benefit.”

Speaking of bilateral relations, Sembayev stressed that they are characterized by stability, depth, and sustainable development. “Italy is rightly one of our main trade and economic partners within the European Union. In 2024 alone, the volume of mutual trade reached a record 20 billion dollars, clearly reflecting the scope and potential of our economic cooperation. Over the past 20 years, gross foreign investment from Italy to Kazakhstan have reached 7.7 billion dollars, mainly in the oil and gas sector, energy, and industrial equipment,” he added.

The ambassador recalled that Italy is the leading importer of Kazakh oil and an investor in key sectors of the economy. “At the same time, cooperation goes beyond the energy sector: projects are intensifying in the agro-industrial field, mechanical engineering, infrastructure, and sustainable development,” he noted. “More than 265 Italian companies operate actively in Kazakhstan, present in sectors such as energy, mechanical engineering, processing, construction, and agriculture. Our cooperation also extends to the humanitarian and academic spheres: university exchanges, cultural initiatives, projects in green technologies and sustainable development are expanding,” he said.

“Political dialogue is maintained at a high level, which creates favourable conditions for a further strengthening of ties,” Sembayev declared. “Cultural cooperation between Kazakhstan and Italy is also gaining ground. The opening in November 2023 of the Italian Cultural Institute in the city of Almaty, the only one in Central Asia, marked a new stage of collaboration in this field, representing another step forward toward bringing our peoples closer,” he added.

The ambassador said the peak of bilateral cultural cooperation was reached in April 2024 with the opening of Kazakhstan’s pavilion at the 60th International Contemporary Art Biennale in Venice. Thousands of visitors from Italy and around the world had the opportunity to admire works by famous Kazakh artists. He recalled that “regular tours by Kazakh artistic groups are organized in Italy.”

“For example, in March 2023 a major tour was held by the Orchestra of the National University of Arts of Kazakhstan, conducted by Professor A. Musakhajayeva, in Milan, Genoa, Sanremo, and Rome. The concerts of the Kazakh National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments Kurmangazy, held in June 2023 in Rome and Naples, were also very successful,” he added.

One of the main goals, according to Sembayev, is to promote Kazakhstan’s historical and cultural heritage in Italy. “For example, in May 2023 we organized in Rome a presentation by Kazakh designers and jewelers on the theme ‘Traditions and Contemporary Kazakhstan: A Link Through the Centuries,’ attended by representatives of Italy’s creative industry, including designers, art historians, and artists. The presentation aimed to introduce the Italian public to Kazakhstan’s national style through trends in decorative and applied arts.”

The exhibition of artifacts from the collections of Almaty’s Association of Museums, inaugurated in Naples in autumn 2023, also aroused great interest and surprise among the Italian public. “The exhibition ‘Nomads of Kazakhstan: Past and Present,’ held in the historic centre of Castel Nuovo, offered local residents and thousands of tourists visiting this Italian metropolis from around the world the opportunity to discover Kazakhstan’s cultural and historical heritage,” the diplomat emphasised.

“In October of this year, we plan to inaugurate in Rome a bust of the great Kazakh poet and thinker Abai Kunanbaiuly. In addition, during President Sergio Mattarella’s visit to Kazakhstan, a street will be inaugurated in the Kazakh capital Astana named after the great Italian traveller Marco Polo. These projects will represent another step forward in the cultural rapprochement of our countries. We highly value the level of mutual understanding reached between our countries and are confident that this dialogue will only continue to expand,” Sembayev concluded.

– Photo: Embassy of Kazakhstan in Italy –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Barcelona have further physical problems. Brazilian striker Raphinha has torn the biceps femoris muscle in his right thigh, in the middle third of the muscle. Recovery is estimated at approximately three weeks, barring any unforeseen circumstances during his rehabilitation. There’s less good news for goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who has torn the medial meniscus in his left knee.

The player will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Saturday by Professor Joan Carles Monllau. The Blaugrana medical staff expects him to be out of action for between four and six weeks, depending on his post-surgery progress. These two significant absences are forcing Flick to reconsider his plans for upcoming matches.

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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela has declared that the return of Crimea and all occupied territories is “non-negotiable.”

The announcement, during a UN summit, marks a clear shift from Abela’s previous calls for compromise and a realistic path to peace. Abela had previously argued that insisting on a total victory for Ukraine was unrealistic. Just last March, he criticized the opposition Nationalist Party—and indirectly its European counterparts—for promoting what he described as a “victory at all costs” policy.

But in New York, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Abela pledged Malta’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, explicitly including Crimea. He emphasized that restoring Ukraine’s borders is essential not only for Kyiv but also for lasting global peace. Abela concluded by calling on Russia to “immediately lift its illegal occupation” of all territories conquered since 2014.

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Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Xabi Alonso is preparing for his first derby as Real Madrid manager with the sobriety and clarity that have always distinguished him on the pitch: tomorrow at 4:15 p.m. at the Metropolitano, the match against Atlético Madrid awaits him, a test that is worth more than just the three points.

“A derby always has a special atmosphere. We’re faced with a powerful atmosphere that must push us to play with concentration,” said the coach, who isn’t distracted by comparisons with Simeone (“What he did at Atlético is very important. I’m only just starting out, I prefer to go step by step”) and emphasizes the need for consistency and flexibility: “A shield on the shirt isn’t enough, we must be consistent in our performance and able to activate naturally before each match.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has warned of a looming demographic crisis, calling for urgent government action to halt the decline. Caruana said Malta faces the risk of demographic collapse unless “gigantic steps” are taken.

At the current rate, the number of Maltese citizens living in Malta could shrink from 400,000 today to 240,000 within 50 years, with 40% over the age of 65. “If the total population remains stable at around 600,000, it will mean the Maltese become a minority in their own country,” Caruana said.

“Sometimes I get angry at how we’re not even noticing this massive elephant in the room.” The minister criticised successive governments for only offering “peanuts” to tackle the issue, warning that the Maltese risk becoming a people of the past. “At this rate, we will one day say that there used to be Maltese people,” he added.
While holding back details until the Budget, Caruana has previously floated a new tax rate for parents with two children. He stressed, however, that incentives must reflect modern realities. “University research shows many families with one child would like a second, but their financial situation doesn’t allow it,” he said. “Life has changed, and if we think we can force people to change their lifestyles to have children, it will be the biggest mistake possible”.

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Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca spoke at a press conference on the eve of their Premier League match against Brighton, scheduled for tomorrow at Stamford Bridge at 4:00 PM. The Blues manager clarified the injury situation and his decisions ahead of the match. T

he main news concerns Cole Palmer, who will be sidelined at least until the October international break. “We’ve decided to protect Cole to prevent the injury from worsening. We’ve chosen to sideline him for the next two or three weeks—until the international break—to allow him to fully recover and return to full fitness,” Maresca explained.

The manager ruled out surgery: “I don’t think any surgery is necessary. It’s just a matter of managing the pain in his groin. With all the games we play, something can always happen: that’s why we want to be cautious and give him rest.” Facundo Buonanotte could take his place, although the coach has clarified that the choice will depend on the game plan: “It depends on the game, the opponent, and how they defend. With Cole, we’re a better team, but we have to learn to play without him. We don’t play with 10 men, we still play with 11, that’s for sure.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
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Source: medNews

LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – A torn cruciate ligament in his left knee and a long layoff loom. Arne Slot also confirmed the rumors about the serious injury Giovanni Leoni suffered on Tuesday evening, late in the League Cup match against Southampton, in what was also his first competitive match for Liverpool.

“He’ll be out for about a year,” the Dutch coach said. “Being so young, coming to a new country and playing so well in his first match, it’s very difficult to find positives. There’s never a positive side to these cases, but you still try to look at things from that perspective: he’s still very young and will have many years of his career ahead of him once he recovers from this bad injury. There are many examples around the world. He’s only 18 years old and still has a lot of time ahead of him.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MIAMI (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) –  Inter Miami CF midfielder Sergio Busquets announced he will retire at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season. The 37-year-old former Barcelona midfielder, now at Inter Miami alongside Messi, Suarez, and Jordi Alba, announced in a video on social media, titled “Every ending is a new beginning,” that he will hang up his boots at the end of the MLS season.

“These will be my last months on the pitch,” he said. “I’m retiring very happy, proud, fulfilled, and above all grateful. I feel that the time has come to say goodbye to my career as a professional footballer. For almost 20 years, I’ve enjoyed this incredible story that I’ve always dreamed of.” He also thanked Barcelona, ​​”the club of my life. There I realized the dreams I had as a child, I wore the shirt I loved in hundreds of matches, I celebrated many titles, and I experienced unique moments at Camp Nou that I will never forget.”

His list of achievements includes three Champions League titles, nine Spanish league titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Club World Cups, and three European Super Cups. The third player with the most appearances for Barcelona (almost 700, surpassed only by Messi and Xavi), he celebrated the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship with Spain, then in 2023 he moved to Inter Miami, where he will play the final five regular season matches before the playoffs, with the possible title final on December 6th.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews