MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “The day after Madrid, I woke up and was already thinking about the match against Nuno’s West Ham,” said a resolute Pep Guardiola in the press conference preceding the match between the Citizens and the Hammers, scheduled for 9 p.m. Italian time on Saturday evening in the English capital.

Predictably, most of the questions focused on the match at the Bernabeu, which Real Madrid won 3-0. Regarding the team he fielded against Los Blancos, Guardiola responded sharply: “Did we win or lose against Newcastle? In that case, the starting lineup was correct. It’s not the first time,” said the former Bayern Munich manager, “that I’ve been crucified for my lineup decisions, but I think a lot about what’s best for the team and I act accordingly.”

“When you win so many titles,” Guardiola continued, “every game is important, and it wouldn’t have been possible to win everything we’ve won without thinking about each game individually.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Italian government has assured Malta of its full cooperation in monitoring a Russian-flagged vessel that has been drifting unattended in the Mediterranean Sea for several days.

The situation was discussed during a high-level meeting at Palazzo Chigi chaired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, and Minister for Civil Protection and Sea Policies Nello Musumeci. Also present were Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council Alfredo Mantovano and the head of Italy’s Civil Protection Department, Fabio Ciciliano.

At the centre of the discussions was the LNG vessel Arctic Metagaz, which is reportedly carrying large quantities of gas, heavy fuel oil and diesel. The ship, flying the Russian flag, has been adrift without a crew in the Mediterranean in recent days.

Italian authorities noted that the vessel is currently located within Malta’s Search and Rescue (SAR) zone. Maltese authorities have established a minimum safety distance of five nautical miles around the ship as a precautionary measure.

The Italian government said it has been sharing monitoring information with the government of Malta since the situation first emerged. Italy also reiterated its readiness to provide operational support if required, pending decisions by the Maltese authorities, with whom it remains in constant contact.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Chelsea secures their captain. The club has announced the contract renewal of Reece James, until 2032. The 26-year-old has a long history with the Stanford Bridge club, which began when, at the age of 6, he joined the youth academy and then went through the ranks to become a mainstay of the first team, with which he has so far made over 200 appearances, winning, among other achievements, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.

“I’m over the moon to have extended my contract: Chelsea means so much to me. I’ve always said I want to spend the best years of my career here, and I firmly believe we have everything needed to build on our past successes,” he said after signing.

“On behalf of the ownership and everyone associated with Chelsea, it is a moment of great pride for all of us to see Reece extend his contract. He is the leader of this team, both on and off the pitch. Reece knows what it means to wear this shirt, and now that he has committed his future to Chelsea, we look forward to continuing this journey and working together to achieve further success,” said sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Gulf states have expressed their “deep gratitude” to King Mohammed VI for Morocco’s supportive stance and clear solidarity following recent Iranian attacks on their territories.

A ministerial meeting was held yesterday between the foreign ministers of Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

During several contacts with leaders of the Gulf monarchies, the Moroccan king reiterated Morocco’s “firm condemnation of the acts that have targeted the sovereignty and security of these brotherly countries.”

He also reaffirmed Rabat’s “full support for all legitimate measures adopted to guarantee the stability and security of their territories.”

King Mohammed VI further stressed that “the security and stability of the Gulf states are an integral part of Morocco’s own security,” highlighting the deep bonds of brotherhood and solidarity linking the kingdom with countries in the region.

Gulf governments welcomed the statements as confirmation of Morocco’s role as a reliable partner and a committed actor in defending security and stability in the Arab world.

– photo: MAP

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime minister Robert Abela said the government has no plans to reform Malta’s abortion laws but indicated Cabinet could intervene to reduce the punishment for a woman recently given a suspended prison sentence for terminating her pregnancy.

Abela said he would personally recommend that Cabinet reconsider the penalty if the woman petitions for a review. His remarks followed a court decision handing the woman an 18-month prison sentence suspended for three years after she admitted inducing her own abortion using pills. The case emerged after the woman sought treatment at Mater Dei Hospital in January 2024 with heavy bleeding. Medical staff testified she had taken abortion medication before being admitted. Abela said a custodial sentence—suspended or otherwise—was not an appropriate penalty given the circumstances women face. “As long as I am prime minister, no woman will be given a prison sentence for this offence”, he said, adding that alternative punishments such as community service, conditional discharge or probation already exist in law. He stressed that his proposal does not amount to decriminalising abortion but could involve the use of the president’s constitutional power of mercy to substitute a less severe punishment. The prime minister also warned that fear of prosecution could discourage women from seeking medical care after taking abortion pills. “We cannot have a prospective mother lose her life because she does not go for medical help fearing she will end up behind bars” he said.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

FSTOCKHOLM (SWEDEN) (ITALPRESS) – He will fight to lead Sweden to the 2026 World Cup, but if that goes badly, he will be able to focus on the 2028 European Championships and even the 2030 World Cup. The Swedish Football Association has extended the contract of coach Graham Potter until 2030. The 50-year-old former West Ham, Chelsea, and Brighton manager replaced the dismissed Jon Dahl Tomasson in October and is now preparing for the play-off against Ukraine and, if they advance, will wait for the winner of the match between Poland and Albania.

“It’s an honor for me, I’m proud, and I feel the great responsibility that this agreement entails. It’s a great opportunity to be able to work towards achieving something important in our future,” said Potter, who is highly respected in Sweden for leading Östersund from the fourth division to the top flight, also winning a national cup in 2017. “Sweden is a footballing country with a glorious history of teams that have reached the finals of the most important leagues, and we want to do that again,” the Englishman concluded.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

DOHA (QATAR) (ITALPRESS) – The ongoing war separates Roberto Mancini and Al-Sadd. The Italian coach returned to Italy for a family issue, as agreed with the club, but now he is having difficulty returning to Doha. This is according to a joint statement between the coach and the Qatari club. “It had been previously planned that the coach, due to a family medical issue, would leave after the first leg of the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16 (against Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal) due to a family medical issue, and this has happened,” the post reads. “Following recent developments in the region with the closure of airspace,” the statement continues, “he has not yet been able to return.” The team will be led by “Sergio Alegre tomorrow in the match against Umm-Salal, while efforts will be made to bring the coach back at the earliest possible opportunity.” Al-Sadd currently sits in first place in the national league, four points ahead of second-place Al-Gharafa.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – For the safety of Iran’s national team, it might be better if they do not take part in the World Cup. That is the implication of a post on Truth by U.S. President Donald Trump, who wrote: “The Iranian national team is welcome at the World Cup, but I really don’t think it would be appropriate for them to take part, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention on this matter.”

Trump’s comments came a day after statements by Iran’s Minister of Sport, Ahmad Donjamali, who had effectively announced the intention not to participate in the tournament: “Since this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances would there be the conditions to take part in the World Cup. Over the past eight or nine months two wars have been imposed on us and several thousand of our citizens have been killed. For this reason, we have absolutely no possibility of participating.”

The exchange between Donjamali and Trump contrasts with what had been stated just hours earlier by Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, who reported reassurances received from the occupant of the White House: “He reiterated to me that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” the head of world football’s governing body had said.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – After the announcement last November that an agreement had been reached, today the extraordinary general meeting of Atlético Madrid shareholders approved the entry of Apollo Sports Capital as the club’s new majority shareholder.

The arrival of the U.S. investment fund — which according to Spanish media has acquired 55%–57% of the club for a figure between €2.5 and €3 billion — has also led to a new composition of the Board of Directors. On one hand, continuity was maintained with the confirmation of Enrique Cerezo as president and Miguel Ángel Gil as CEO. On the other hand, new members have joined the board, most notably former Atlético striker David Villa, a key figure in the club’s 2014 La Liga title victory.

The new board, which also held its first meeting, approved a capital increase of around €100 million, as already announced last November by ASC. The funds will be invested in the club’s teams and infrastructure.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Despite the league’s resumption today in Qatar, Doha will not host the final between Spain and Argentina on March 27. The highly anticipated clash between the European and South American champions will be played at the Bernabeu in Madrid.

“AS” reports the news, noting that Real Madrid’s stadium was ultimately chosen over other options such as Rome and Lisbon as an alternative to Doha, which was deemed insufficiently safe in light of the current events in the Middle East.

Only a few details are missing before the official announcement is made, especially organizationally, given that Morocco vs. Ecuador will be played at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on the same day. Moreover, the Bernabeu is not uncommon for emergency situations: in 2018, it was chosen as the venue for the Libertadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors following the incidents in Buenos Aires. For Spain, this would be a return to Real Madrid’s home ground after two years: in March 2024, the Red Furies faced Brazil in a friendly match, drawing 3-3.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews