BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – It has been discussed for months, if not years. In recent weeks, however, the Catalan media had considered the possibility of Dušan Vlahović joining Barcelona to be all but over. According to Mundo Deportivo, though, the Serbian striker’s name has once again emerged as a potential target.

With his contract at Juventus set to expire and no renewal in sight, the former Fiorentina forward has reportedly returned to the Blaugrana club’s shortlist. At the top of Barcelona’s list of attacking reinforcements is Atlético Madrid’s Argentine striker Julián Álvarez, although negotiations for his signing are considered extremely difficult.

Meanwhile, following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, Mundo Deportivo reports there could also be developments regarding the future of Ferran Torres. The 26-year-old, whose contract runs until 2027, is attracting strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain and has not ruled out any possibility regarding his future.

This is where Vlahović comes into the picture. While Barcelona manager Hansi Flick does not consider the Serbian a top priority, his contract situation makes him an attractive market opportunity. He would be viewed more as an alternative to Ferran Torres than as a direct replacement.

Vlahović has also been linked with Bayern Munich, Beşiktaş and Atlético Madrid. According to Mundo Deportivo, the latter could be a particularly likely destination, especially if the Spanish club needs to replace Alexander Sørloth, the Norwegian striker who is reportedly on Juventus’ radar.

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(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

EDINBURGH (SCOTLAND) – Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland head coach following the national team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Clarke, who guided Scott McTominay and his teammates to Scotland’s first World Cup qualification in 28 years, resigned after the team’s exit was confirmed overnight by results in the other groups.

After seven years in charge, Clarke paid the price for defeats to Morocco and Brazil, which left Scotland third in their group, ahead of only Haiti, whom they defeated in their opening match.

“The most emotional part of this farewell is saying goodbye to my players. Without them, none of the memorable moments we’ve shared since 2019 would have been possible. They deserve every bit of the praise and affection they receive, and it has been a true honor to be their coach,” Clarke said. “Thank you for welcoming me, and I wish my successor the very best.”

Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell also paid tribute to Clarke.

“While we are all disappointed by our group-stage exit from the World Cup, we should not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve’s seven years in charge,” Maxwell said.

“Starting as a fourth-seeded nation in 2019 and going on to win our World Cup qualifying group, he more than fulfilled the objective of returning Scotland to a major international tournament. We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution, and once the disappointment of this World Cup exit fades, I know Scotland supporters will look back on his tenure with great appreciation.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) – Uruguay’s shocking and unexpected elimination from a World Cup group featuring Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia continues to spark intense debate back home. Following reports of a rift between the squad and head coach Marcelo Bielsa, the Uruguayan Football Association has taken the drastic decision to cancel the charter flight that was scheduled to bring Federico Valverde and his teammates back home.

As a result, the players and coaching staff will not travel together and will instead make their own travel arrangements, covering the costs themselves.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s government recorded a deficit of €178 million during the first five months of 2026, widening by more than €30 million compared with the same period last year, according to National Statistics Office figures.

The increase came despite recurrent revenue reaching a record €3.53 billion, up 17.2% or €517.5 million, driven mainly by higher income tax and VAT receipts.

Total expenditure rose even faster to €3.71 billion, increasing by €549.4 million as capital investment and recurrent spending accelerated.

Capital expenditure climbed by €169.9 million to €395.2 million, reflecting investment in road projects, the second electricity interconnector with Sicily and hospital infrastructure.

Recurrent spending also increased by €369.6 million, largely due to higher social security benefits, healthcare costs and Malta’s contributions to the European Union.

Social protection remained the largest spending category at €1.24 billion, while health expenditure rose 21.6% to €501.7 million.

Interest payments on public debt totalled €127.7 million, or about €814,000 a day.

Central government debt reached €11.84 billion by the end of May, up €956.6 million from a year earlier, driven mainly by higher Malta Government Stocks.

Reacting to the figures, the Opposition said the government had borrowed more than all previous prime ministers combined, warning debt could exceed €14 billion by 2028. The government has defended its economic record, citing strong GDP growth, low unemployment and Malta’s exit from the EU’s Excessive Deficit Procedure.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – His contract with Bayern Munich expires in a few days, yet Leon Goretzka has not yet found a new club. The 31-year-old German midfielder—currently with the national team for the World Cup—has been linked in recent weeks first to AC Milan and then to Juventus, but according to AS, he has now also been offered to Atlético Madrid.

Los Colchoneros have made former Lecce player Morten Hjulmand their top target, but it is unlikely Sporting will settle for less than 40–45 million euros. This is why Atlético might consider signing Goretzka on a free transfer—a player they had already contemplated acquiring last January. However, there is the issue of his salary, which reportedly stands at around 15 million euros gross per season—a figure beyond the Spanish club’s financial limits.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BREST (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – The show must go on. Ten days after the death of Eric Roy following a long illness, Brest has announced its new head coach: Julien Laucher, who had served as Roy’s assistant since his arrival at the helm in January 2023. The 49-year-old French coach—whose journey with Brest began in 2005 as a goalkeeper before he joined the coaching staff upon his retirement in 2010—has signed a two-year contract and will begin work as early as next Thursday, at the start of the pre-season training camp.

– foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Food safety officials have seized and will destroy a large consignment of food products brought into Malta illegally from Albania via Sicily, the Food Safety and Security Authority (FSSA) said.

The consignment was intercepted after the Tax and Customs Administration alerted the FSSA on Friday evening about a van arriving on the ferry from Sicily.

An inspection found meat, yoghurt, cheese, snacks, olive oil, soft drinks, beans, eggs, alcohol, salt and juices that failed to comply with food safety regulations.

According to the FSSA, the products had been transported at inappropriate temperatures, lacked the required labelling and were not accompanied by essential traceability documents.

The authority also said it had not received the mandatory prior notification of the consignment’s arrival, as required under Maltese legislation.

The products were immediately sealed and will be destroyed to safeguard public health, ensure food safety and protect the integrity of the local industry.

The FSSA reminded traders that they must register with the authority and notify it at least 48 hours before importing animals, food, feed or plants into Malta, including consignments originating from within the European Union.

The authority thanked the Tax and Customs Administration for its collaboration and warned that it would continue taking firm action against operators who fail to comply with notification requirements.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SEATTLE (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – “This has been a disastrous World Cup, a complete disaster. FIFA should have resolved all these problems, but that hasn’t happened. Gianni Infantino came to see us after the first match and told us we were only at the beginning, but the group stage ends tomorrow and our logistics staff still aren’t here. They couldn’t join us because they haven’t been granted visas.” Those were the words of Mehdi Taremi following Iran’s 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle.

The result leaves Team Melli with a chance of reaching the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams, but their qualification hopes remain in serious jeopardy.

Taremi, the former Inter striker, who missed a penalty with Egypt leading 1-0, expressed his frustration over the restrictions affecting the Iranian national team. Because of visa issues, Iran has been forced to establish its base camp in Mexico and return there immediately after every match played in the United States. Several members of the team’s support staff have been unable to join the squad.

“We’re professionals, and in a competition like the World Cup this simply isn’t acceptable. If FIFA believes these conditions are fair, that’s their opinion, but they’re certainly not fair for us. Nobody is helping us,” Taremi said.

Asked whether he felt there were people hoping for Iran’s elimination, the striker replied: “All I know is that we have to fight against everything and everyone. I don’t know whether people want us to go home, but from our perspective, it certainly feels that way.”

Speaking after the match in comments reported by A Bola, Taremi concluded: “I’m disappointed, but we haven’t lost hope. We’ll continue giving everything we have for our people because we want to make them proud. We want to send a message of peace—not only to the Iranian people, but to everyone, including FIFA. Unfortunately, we don’t feel that same spirit of peace is being shown toward us.”

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Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) – Roberto De Zerbi has made his decision. According to TEAMtalk, the Italian manager has informed Tottenham’s hierarchy that Antonín Kinský will be his first-choice goalkeeper.

The Czech shot-stopper has established himself as the club’s No. 1 since De Zerbi’s arrival, overtaking Guglielmo Vicario, who is now reportedly available for transfer and could be set for a return to Italy, with Juventus and Napoli said to be the clubs showing the strongest interest.

The 23-year-old Kinský endured a difficult spell last season, including high-profile errors in the Champions League against Atlético Madrid and being substituted after just 17 minutes under then-Tottenham manager Igor Tudor. However, under De Zerbi he has been given a fresh opportunity, impressing with a series of strong performances that have earned him the starting role as well as a contract extension.

Tottenham have also moved to strengthen their goalkeeping department by signing Martin Dúbravka from Newcastle United as the backup goalkeeper.

With Kinský established as De Zerbi’s preferred option and Dúbravka arriving as his deputy, there appears to be no future for Vicario in north London, with a return to Serie A looking increasingly likely.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
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Source: medNews

NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) – Two wins and an inconsequential defeat to Turkey were enough for the United States to reach their first milestone at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing qualification for the Round of 32 as group winners.

Much of the credit goes to Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge of the U.S. men’s national team in 2024 after spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. His work has reportedly impressed the U.S. Soccer Federation to such an extent that, despite the World Cup still being underway, he has been offered a contract extension through 2030.

According to The Athletic, negotiations have been ongoing for several months. Pochettino’s current deal expires at the end of the tournament, and both sides are expected to resume talks after the World Cup to decide whether to continue their partnership for another four-year cycle.

The federation is said to have wanted to send a clear message of confidence, particularly as Pochettino could be tempted by a return to club management. Before the appointment of Rúben Amorim, he had also been linked with AC Milan.

The prospect of leading the United States at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, working from the national team’s new $250 million training center in Atlanta, and guiding the team into another World Cup cycle could persuade the Argentine coach to stay. The federation may also be prepared to improve his current salary, which is reportedly between $5 million and $6 million per year.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews