MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Atlético Madrid are targeting Julian Brandt as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann. According to the website of Spanish newspaper Marca, the Colchoneros are pushing hard in the race to secure the Borussia Dortmund player, whose contract is set to expire.

Dortmund’s sporting director, Lars Ricken, has confirmed that there will be no renewal, meaning Brandt will be available on a free transfer. These circumstances have prompted Atlético’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany, to closely monitor developments surrounding the German’s future.

From a technical standpoint, Julian Brandt could prove to be an excellent successor to Griezmann, who is set to join Orlando City at the end of the season. The club is looking for players with the right qualities to replace the Frenchman, and Dortmund’s number 10 has already scored 11 goals and provided 3 assists in 37 appearances.

However, bringing Brandt to Diego Simeone’s side may not be straightforward. Atlético will have to fend off competition from Arsenal, who—besides being rivals in the Champions League—are also interested in signing the German midfielder.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Bruno Fernandes has changed the minds of Manchester United’s top management. Last summer, the 31-year-old Portuguese was almost shown the door, with the Red Devils ready to facilitate his move to the wealthy Saudi league. However, it was Fernandes himself who opposed the transfer, choosing to stay.

His performances this season have completely turned the situation around: according to The Sun, the player is now considered untouchable, and the club is planning to rely heavily on him for next season, when United are expected to return to the Champions League.

At this point, it cannot be ruled out that the parties may also discuss a contract extension, given that Fernandes’ current deal runs until 2027—with a €65 million release clause—and includes an option for a further year.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – On April 15, three years ago, a conflict began in Sudan that is still causing “a catastrophic deterioration of the humanitarian situation”. This is how Sudan’s ambassador to Rome, Emadeldin Mirghani Altohamy, described the ongoing war in his country, which pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In an interview with Claudio Brachino for Diplomacy Magazine, the geopolitics column of the Italpress news agency, the ambassador referred to a “grim anniversary” for the Sudanese population. “On that very day, the Rapid Support Forces began committing crimes not only in Sudan, but also in Africa and around the world, and they are considered responsible for some of the most serious crimes against humanity. The war has led to the occupation of 11 out of 18 states in Sudan, the deaths of 150,000 people, the displacement of 12 million citizens, and the complete destruction of the country’s infrastructure, with a catastrophic deterioration of the humanitarian situation”, the diplomat said. We call for solidarity from peoples around the world with the Sudanese people”, he added.

This appeal for solidarity has already been answered by Italy through the humanitarian initiative Italy for Sudan, launched last December. “The initiative represents a concrete expression of the solidarity of the Italian people and government toward the Sudanese people and government, and it is based on the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries in this context”, the ambassador commented, thanking the Italian authorities. “This initiative has had a strong impact and wide resonance among Sudanese citizens and has been positively received by our government. This demonstrates the strength of relations between Sudan and Italy under these circumstances” the diplomat added.

According to Altohamy, relations between Italy and Sudan “are longstanding and continuous” and include cooperation in various fields, including cultural, social, and political areas. “There is also a good level of economic activity between the two countries, as Sudan has great economic potential, particularly in the agricultural, livestock, and mining sectors”. the diplomat explained. “Italy imports numerous natural products from Sudan, especially gum arabic, of which we export about 90 percent of global production. Sudan is also the world’s third-largest producer of sesame and the leading producer in Africa. We also export agricultural and livestock products such as hides and oilseeds. We import many Italian products, as Italy is a technologically, industrially, and agriculturally advanced country, and therefore there is a broad exchange that includes industrial goods, electrical equipment, construction materials, and food products, as well as significant cooperation with many major Italian companies, particularly in the infrastructure, roads, and bridges sectors”, the ambassador continued, noting however that “the volume of trade between the two countries requires further efforts”.

The country is currently facing an emergency situation, and humanitarian aid is an essential component at this stage. However, the latest international donors’ conference, held in Berlin on April 15, drew criticism from Sudanese authorities. “The Berlin Conference is not the first conference in this context, as it was preceded by the Paris and London conferences. However, in my view, the Berlin Conference made a serious mistake by not inviting the internationally recognized Sudanese government. The Sudanese government is the legitimate government and the legitimate representative of the Sudanese people, and the international community recognizes it as such based on these principles. The Sudanese Armed Forces are the country’s official forces under the Constitution since Sudan’s independence. Treating the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces as two parties in conflict represents a serious injustice and a violation of sovereignty”, the ambassador said.

At such a difficult time, the cultural dimension can serve as a channel for dialogue and closer ties between peoples. According to Altohamy, this dimension is one of the most important, also in relations with Italy. “Relations between Sudan and Italy have deep historical roots, dating back to the Roman Empire and ancient Nubian civilization, as confirmed by archaeological discoveries”, he noted. “Cultural and human relations between Sudan and Italy are therefore based on very ancient foundations”, he continued, adding that in this context, one of “the best programs implemented” was developed in cooperation with the Italian Parliament under the slogan “United for Sudan”.

– Photo Italpress –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The “Tunisia Project,” promoted by FIPE-Confcommercio and AIGRIM-FIPE, is officially taking shape. The initiative aims to train and integrate 60 workers into Italy’s hospitality and restaurant sector.

A key milestone was a closed-door institutional meeting held in Tunis on the evening of April 20, bringing together the Italian delegation, Tunisia’s Minister of Labour Riadh Chaoued, and representatives of project partner Elis. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitments to launching the initiative and defined the main operational and training guidelines.

The pilot project will bring 60 workers, men and women with varying levels of experience in the sector, to Italy, where they will complete a 200-hour training programme. Language training will begin by the end of May, followed by specialised instruction in early June. The workers are expected to arrive in Italy in June.

The initiative, the result of significant investment by the two trade associations and participating companies, is intended as a replicable model of effective cooperation, designed to expand recruitment channels in the sector to non-EU countries.

The meeting with Minister Chaoued took place during the Italian delegation’s mission to Tunis for the “Tunisian-European Forum: Training, Employment, and Mobility in the Hospitality and Restaurant Sector” (April 20–22), an event promoted by the ILO and the European Commission.

The delegation included Aldo Cursano, FIPE-Confcommercio Executive Vice President; Riccardo Orlandi, FIPE-Confcommercio Vice President and President of AIGRIM-FIPE; and Andrea Chiriatti, FIPE-Confcommercio Area Director. They participated in the forum’s proceedings with a dedicated stand and interventions in official panels, including a contribution from Cursano on public-private cooperation to support employment in the tourism sector.

“This project shows that it is possible to address the shortage of staff in the restaurant industry in a serious and systematic way, by building regulated, transparent and high-quality pathways,” said Aldo Cursano, Executive Vice President of FIPE-Confcommercio. “The collaboration with Tunisian institutions and qualified partners allows us to invest in skills even before workers enter Italy, ensuring benefits for both businesses and workers. If we succeed in consolidating and replicating this model, we will have a stable instrument of international cooperation capable of supporting the competitiveness of our sector.”

“This project represents a concrete and structured response to one of the biggest challenges facing our restaurant industry,” said Riccardo Orlandi, President of AIGRIM-FIPE. “It is not only about addressing labour shortages, but about building sustainable, high-quality professional pathways, investing in training before workers even arrive in Italy. It is a model that brings supply and demand together in a transparent and virtuous way, ensuring protections for workers and specific skills for companies.”

– Photo FIPE-Confcommercio Press Office –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The European Investment Bank (EIB) is supporting Malta’s energy transition by strengthening the island’s electricity infrastructure, enhancing security of supply, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources.

In this context, EIB Vice-President Marek Mora and Malta’s Minister for Finance, Clyde Caruana, today announced the signing of a €100 million financing agreement to support the construction of a second electricity interconnector between Malta and Italy (IC2).
The project involves the construction of a 122-kilometre submarine electricity transmission line, with a rated voltage of 220 kV in alternating current, a frequency of 50 Hz, and a transmission capacity of 225 MW. The cable will connect Enemalta’s terminal station in Magħtab, Malta, with the Italian Terna substation located in Contrada Cimillà, Ragusa.
The project has also benefited from technical advisory support provided by the EIB during its preparation phase, including the assessment of its financial and economic sustainability. This support contributed to ensuring the project’s maturity, eligibility for financing, and compliance with relevant European Union requirements.

Malta’s Minister for Finance, Clyde Caruana, commented: “The second interconnector represents a significant investment for Malta’s long-term economic stability. By strengthening our energy infrastructure, we reduce vulnerability to external shocks, improve security of supply, and support more stable energy prices for households and businesses.”

The interconnector, expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2027, will increase electricity interconnection capacity between Malta and Italy, enabling the import of electricity from the EU market. It will also enhance supply security and grid stability, helping to meet rising demand and support the integration of renewable energy, in line with the country’s decarbonisation objectives.

EIB Vice-President Marek Mora added: “Electricity interconnectors are essential for a secure, integrated, and decarbonised European energy system. By supporting Malta’s second interconnector with Italy, the EIB strengthens energy security, facilitates cross-border electricity trade, and promotes the integration of renewable energy sources, while ensuring that growing demand can be met reliably and sustainably. The project reflects the EIB’s key role in supporting strategic energy infrastructure across Europe.”

The total cost of the project, estimated at €296.68 million, will be financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund with €165.78 million, with the remaining amount covered by the EIB loan and Malta’s national resources.

The EU bank is also providing advisory services through JASPERS, a joint initiative between the EIB and the European Commission, offering assistance in project design, procurement, and implementation to ensure technical robustness and smooth delivery of this strategic infrastructure.

The Government of Malta will retain ownership of the project. Interconnect Malta, a fully state-owned company, is responsible for procurement, implementation, and operation of the interconnector under a public service obligation. The full capacity of the interconnector will be made available to Enemalta, Malta’s electricity distribution system operator, under a capacity agreement that includes an annual usage fee.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Real Madrid lose Arda Güler and Éder Militão. Both players suffered hamstring injuries during the match against Alavés (right leg for the former, left for the latter), and their season is over, although they could recover in time for the World Cup, which they are expected to play with Turkey, coached by Vincenzo Montella, and Brazil, led by Carlo Ancelotti, respectively.

According to the Spanish press, the player at greater risk regarding the World Cup is the Brazilian defender, as this is his third muscle injury of the season.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s government deficit fell significantly to €237.2 million, or 2.2% of GDP, by the end of 2025, according to national statistics, down from €750.4 million, or 3.4% of GDP, a year earlier.

Data released for the fourth quarter showed stronger revenue performance and reduced expenditure contributing to the improved fiscal position.

Between October and December, government revenue reached €2.46 billion, an increase of €311 million compared to the same period in 2024. The rise was driven largely by higher tax intake, particularly from production and imports, income and wealth, and social contributions.

Expenditure during the same period totalled €2.69 billion, marking a decline of €156.4 million year-on-year. The drop was mainly due to lower capital transfers, alongside reduced spending on wages and subsidies.

Adjustments to align public accounts with EU accrual-based standards further reduced the deficit by €333.6 million in the final quarter.

Government debt stood at €11.4 billion by December, equivalent to 46.4% of GDP, up from €10.6 billion a year earlier. The increase was primarily driven by higher long-term and short-term debt securities.

Meanwhile, guaranteed government debt fell to €905.6 million, or 3.7% of GDP.

Looking ahead, economic projections indicate gradual growth in GDP and a potential budget surplus by 2029 and 2030. However, these forecasts exclude the potential impact of a planned mass transport system.

Speaking at a press conference, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana said the project remains at feasibility stage and is unlikely to begin before the end of 2026, warning of the financial risks involved.

Prime Minister Robert Abela has pledged to prioritise the transport project after the next general election, though revised plans—now estimated to cost around €3 billion—have yet to be published.

– Photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Barcelona is trembling, but Spain is also trembling, especially Spain, which may have to do without Lamine Yamal for the World Cup. The striker was injured during the match against Celta Vigo, after scoring the penalty that effectively decided the match. Spanish media are talking about a possible hamstring injury in his left thigh, but more will be known in the next few hours: Yamal is currently expected to be out for four to six weeks.

But Dr. Pedro Luis Ripoll, one of Spain’s leading sports medicine specialists, has warned about the risks of a hasty return: “This type of injury has a recurrence rate of 30%, so we must be very careful.” And precisely for this reason, considering that there are 50 days to go until the start of the World Cup, “it seems difficult to me to call him up.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TEHERAN (IRAN) (ITALPRESS) – We will be at the World Cup. This is, in short, the message sent today by Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, in a statement released to state broadcaster IRIB. Iran, therefore, despite the war with the United States (currently under a ceasefire), will regularly play the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to the government spokesperson, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has guaranteed that the national soccer team will have everything it needs to perform at its best in the World Cup. This statement comes a few days after FIFA President Gianni Infantino reassured Iran that the team will be placed in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand and expected in Los Angeles and Seattle. Iran had requested to play their matches in Mexico, a decision FIFA has made impossible.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Liam Rosenior’s term at Chelsea has already ended. The club announced the dismissal of the manager who replaced Enzo Maresca as manager of the team on January 6th. In his place, Calum McFarlane has been appointed as interim manager.

“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Liam and his staff for their dedication during his time with the club. Liam has always stood out for his integrity and professionalism, since his appointment mid-season,” Chelsea wrote on their website. “This was not a decision taken lightly, however, recent results and performances have not been up to the required standards, and the season is not over yet.” Calum McFarlane will lead the team until the end of the season “with the aim of achieving qualification for European competitions and advancing in the FA Cup,” the club’s statement emphasizes.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews