LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – A night to forget for Bruno Fernandes and his family. Not only did Manchester United suffer a heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat away to Como, but the Portuguese midfielder also made controversial post-match comments about manager Michael Carrick. And there was more bad news, this time unrelated to football.

According to The Sun, while United’s captain was playing at the Sinigaglia Stadium, three masked men broke into his villa and made off with jewellery and other highly valuable items.

The British tabloid reports that it is not yet clear whether the Portuguese player’s wife, Ana Pinho, and their two children were at home at the time. The alarm was reportedly raised by a neighbour who spotted three unidentified men inside the property. However, by the time police arrived, around 10 minutes later, the burglars had already fled the scene.

Despite the house being equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, including a sophisticated zoned alarm system, CCTV surveillance and electric gates, the gang managed to breach the property’s perimeter.

According to information obtained by The Sun, the burglars entered the villa through the woodland bordering the garden.

There was one small consolation: the car collection was left untouched, and the two luxury cars on the property were spared.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Italian-Moroccan entrepreneur Abderrahim Naji has won the “Mattei Plan for Africa” Award as part of “Visioni Made in Italy”—a project promoted by SIMEST (a company within the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation—which aims to showcase Italian entrepreneurial excellence and its contribution to international development through the medium of film.

The award was presented on Wednesday at the Teatro Sistina in Rome, during a ceremony held as part of the “Alice nella città” section of the Rome Film Fest.

Naji received the honor in the “Large Enterprises” category for an audiovisual work highlighting the initiatives of Italian companies on the African continent. The project focused on innovation, sustainability, the enhancement of skills, and the economic and social impact on local communities—all in line with the objectives of the Mattei Plan for Africa.

The Italian-Moroccan entrepreneur emerged from a group of 30 national finalists, selected from over 100 applicants. A jury chaired by actor and director Alessandro Preziosi—comprising experts from the audiovisual sector as well as representatives from the business and institutional worlds—evaluated the entries based on criteria including creativity, innovation, internationalization, sustainability, and the integration of production supply chains.

“I am particularly proud to receive this award, which represents a story of Moroccan entrepreneurial excellence and testifies to the strength of the ties between Morocco and Italy,” Naji stated to the MAP news agency. “My experience is that of a Moroccan who found an opportunity in Italy to build a business, create jobs, and contribute to industrial development, all while maintaining a strong bond with his home country and the values ​​of his origins,” he added.

Having already been named “Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year” at the 2015 MoneyGram Awards, Naji stands as an example of economic integration and entrepreneurship within the Italian industrial landscape.

The ceremony was attended by, among others, the Chairman of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, Giovanni Gorno Tempini, and the Chairman of SIMEST, Vittorio de Pedys, alongside representatives from the economic, diplomatic, political, and cultural spheres.

The “Visioni Made in Italy” (“Visions of Made in Italy”) initiative—developed as part of the export action plan promoted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani—aims to use the language of cinema as a tool for economic and cultural diplomacy.

The award-winning documentaries will be showcased through a permanent digital platform, the network of Italian embassies and Italian Cultural Institutes, and national television programming, thereby contributing to the international promotion of the “Made in Italy” brand and economic partnerships with African nations.

– Photo Map –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – The Spanish government, through the National Sports Council (CSD), has decided to take action on its own initiative and refer Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, to the Administrative Court of Sport (TAD) for comparing Real Madrid TV’s methods to those of Nazi propaganda under Joseph Goebbels.

Specifically, the CSD is asking whether Tebas’s statements could be considered “damaging to the dignity or standing of sport”.

Tebas, who risks being handed a suspension, had already launched a fierce attack on José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, president of the CSD, when the possibility of referring his case to the TAD was first raised — a move that has now materialised. On social media, Tebas has now stepped up his criticism:

“There is a silence that is particularly striking. We have not heard the Secretary of State for Sport or senior CSD officials utter a single word of condemnation in response to the accusations made by Real Madrid executives and its television channel against La Liga and refereeing: corruption, manipulated competition, championships that we supposedly ‘stole’ from them. Not a single word. Why?” Tebas wrote, referring to statements made by Florentino Pérez last May.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

TUNIS (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Tunisian President Kais Saied has called for the adoption of the necessary measures to ensure the success of the olive harvesting and processing season, with particular emphasis on supporting small-scale farmers.

The directives were issued during a meeting held yesterday at the Presidential Palace in Carthage with the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, according to the Tunisian presidency.

Saied stressed the need to facilitate small producers’ access to credit, establish new financing schemes and set a benchmark price to protect their interests. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the storage capacity of the National Oil Office, promoting Tunisian olive oil in foreign markets and encouraging local packaging in order to increase its added value and competitiveness.

During the meeting, the president also called for intensified preventive measures against diseases affecting olive trees and for efforts to contain the risk of the red palm weevil spreading in certain regions. He urged regional agricultural directorates to take more decisive action.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Michael Carrick’s position as manager is increasingly at risk. Following a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League yesterday—part of a seven-match winless streak across all competitions—the English manager’s standing has become precarious, prompting Manchester United to begin exploring potential alternatives. According to ‘The Telegraph’, former Germany head coach and ex-Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is among the candidates being considered should Carrick be dismissed; he is reportedly open to hearing a proposal.

The 39-year-old German coach has been linked to the club in the past and has never hidden his desire to one day manage in the Premier League. Furthermore, Christopher Vivell—currently at United—served as technical director at Chelsea when the Blues explored hiring Nagelsmann, and the two previously worked together at RB Leipzig. Carrick’s future could hinge on Sunday’s match against Bournemouth; another poor result might prove fatal, especially following comments made yesterday by Bruno Fernandes, who publicly criticized his manager’s tactical decisions.

Antonio Conte also remains a possibility, though he is not considered an ideal fit for the club’s current structure. Meanwhile, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is highly regarded, though it is unlikely he could be secured mid-season. A similar situation applies to Unai Emery. Among available managers, Eddie Howe—formerly of Newcastle and well-regarded by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe—could also be considered.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – Mohammed Ben Ghalboun, Libyan Minister of State for Prime Ministerial and Cabinet Affairs, has issued directives to the relevant authorities to raise the alert level and implement necessary precautions in anticipation of expected adverse weather conditions. According to an official statement from Libya’s Government of National Unity, the alert comes in response to forecasts of heavy rainfall, expected from tomorrow through Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

The Libyan General Company for Water and Wastewater has been tasked with preparing drainage pumps and positioning them in critical areas. Public utility companies in Tripoli and the central region are required to step up street cleaning efforts and clear drainage channels, while the General Electricity Company of Libya must increase the readiness of its emergency response teams.

The Libyan National Security Authority is directed to prepare rescue and evacuation teams and to activate operations centers. The directives emphasize the importance of continuous coordination, the activation of emergency response rooms, and the issuance of public warnings through official channels—urging citizens to follow safety instructions and avoid unnecessary travel.

-Photo: IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s general government deficit more than doubled to €698.5 million in the first half of 2026, exceeding the full-year shortfall recorded in 2025, official figures showed.

The National Statistics Office reported a second-quarter deficit of €344.1 million, following €354.4 million in the first quarter.

Government revenue rose 10.8% year-on-year to €2.18 billion in the second quarter, but expenditure increased faster, climbing 14.6% to €2.52 billion and widening the deficit by €109.2 million.

Government debt also rose, reaching €11.98 billion at the end of June, equivalent to 47% of gross domestic product (GDP). This represented an increase of €516 million over the quarter and €891 million year-on-year.

The figures contrast with Malta’s improved fiscal performance in 2025, when the deficit fell to €505.7 million, or 2.05% of GDP, from 3.53% in 2024, according to the latest Excessive Deficit Procedure notification.

Debt stood at €11.41 billion, or 46.26% of GDP, at the end of last year, remaining below the European Union’s Maastricht thresholds of 60% for debt and 3% for the deficit.

However, the 2025 improvement was largely driven by higher revenue. Government income increased by €831 million, while expenditure rose by €521.8 million, reducing the deficit by €309.2 million.

The trend has since reversed, with spending increases across several major categories contributing to the deterioration.

In the second quarter, compensation of employees rose by €60.8 million year-on-year, intermediate consumption increased by €87.6 million, social benefits climbed by €53.3 million and capital transfers rose by €47.2 million. Subsidies were the only category to decline, falling by €6.9 million.

The Malta Fiscal Advisory Council has warned that Consolidated Fund spending increased by nearly 18% in the first half of the year and must slow considerably for the government to meet its full-year deficit target of just over €428 million.

The cash-based Consolidated Fund deficit reached €379.2 million in the second quarter, compared with the lower accrual-based figure of €344.1 million after accounting adjustments.

Malta’s revenue structure also presents risks, with taxes on income and wealth accounting for more than 43% of government revenue. Corporate tax represents 41.7% of direct tax income, leaving public finances exposed to fluctuations in profits reported by internationally mobile companies.

Despite the deterioration, Malta retains fiscal room for manoeuvre, with its debt ratio still below the EU ceiling.

The government’s 2026 projections anticipate a deficit of 1.64% of GDP and debt equivalent to 45.75% of GDP. However, the first-half figures have raised doubts about whether those targets can be achieved.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SAN JOSE (COSTA RICA) (ITALPRESS) – Bryan Ruiz remains head coach of Costa Rica. The former captain of ‘Los Ticos’—initially appointed on an interim basis following the dismissal last September of Fernando Batista, who had failed to secure qualification for the most recent World Cup—has had his position confirmed, following victories against Nicaragua and Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League earlier this month.

Ruiz, 41, who captained the national team in three World Cups before retiring in 2022, will therefore be on the bench for next month’s friendly matches against Ecuador (November 13) and Argentina (November 17).

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA) (ITALPRESS) – Lionel Scaloni will remain at the helm of the Argentine national team. According to local media, contract renewal negotiations are in their final stages, with optimism that an agreement will be reached during the upcoming international break—a period in which the ‘Selección’ is set to face Uruguay at La Bombonera and Costa Rica in Córdoba.

Scaloni himself, speaking during Messi’s farewell match, admitted that “if everything goes well, I will continue as the national team coach.” The 48-year-old Argentine manager is expected to sign a two-year extension, which includes an option to prolong his tenure through the 2030 World Cup—a tournament for which Argentina will host one of the opening matches.

In charge since September 2018—initially as an interim replacement for Sampaoli—Scaloni has led the ‘Albiceleste’ to a World Cup title (2022), two Copa América trophies (2021 and 2024), and a victory in the 2022 ‘Finalissima’ against Italy, in addition to reaching the final of the most recent Copa América last July.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Some 81% of foreign investors consider Malta an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, while nine out of 10 companies intend to maintain or expand their operations in the country over the next year, according to the Malta Attractiveness Survey 2026 commissioned by Ernst & Young (EY).

Prime Minister Robert Abela said the findings, which show an improvement on last year, reflect continued confidence in Malta’s economy and its long-term prospects.

He described the intention of nine out of 10 companies to remain or invest further in Malta as the survey’s most significant result, saying it demonstrated confidence in the country’s future.

The survey also highlighted growing investor confidence in artificial intelligence (AI), with 59% identifying it as a sector expected to drive Malta’s economic growth, up from 47% in the previous year.

AI was also identified as the sector with the greatest long-term growth potential.

Abela said the findings supported the Government’s national AI strategy and initiatives such as AI for Everyone, which has attracted more than 40,000 participants.

He also referred to the €100 million investment in digital transformation announced in the previous Budget, saying the Government remained committed to continuing its efforts in this area.

The Prime Minister said Malta’s next phase of economic growth should focus increasingly on productivity, innovation and higher value-added investment.

Abela also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining energy and fuel subsidies, with €400 million allocated for this year and a further €400 million planned for next year.

He said the survey reinforced confidence in Malta’s economic direction and its long-term investment strategy.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews