ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Best caption wins.” Cristiano Ronaldo, with a video that has gone viral on social media, celebrates his new footballing gem. The 40-year-old Portuguese scored the 954th goal of his career yesterday with an extraordinary bicycle kick, similar to the one he scored in the 2018 Champions League, while playing for Real Madrid, against Juventus. The goal was scored at the end of the match for “his” Al-Nassr, a 4-1 win against Al-Khaleej. It was the ninth win in nine games for the Riyadh club, which is comfortably at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings. It was CR7’s tenth goal this season.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has all but ruled out calling an early general election, insisting his government must first complete key projects before going to the polls. In an interview with Times of Malta, Abela said the Labour administration was elected on a five-year mandate and that “the election will be called when it is in the national interest.” “If you are putting the question to me today, I would say the national interest does not necessitate an early election,” he said, adding he wants people to enjoy the Christmas season “with their families” rather than focus on politics.

Rumours have intensified in recent weeks that Abela is considering a March 2026 vote, a year ahead of schedule. But he dismissed the speculation, saying he is personally overseeing priority projects, including new emergency and psychiatric facilities at Mater Dei Hospital, the Ħal Far race track and national park developments at Manoel Island and White Rocks. “There is still a lot of work to be done. My job and focus is on that, not on fictitious election dates,” he said. Abela added that last month’s budget will not be the final one of the legislature: “There will be another budget, and it will be even better than the last one.” Speculation over an early vote has grown as recent polls suggest the Nationalist Party has narrowed the gap with Labour following Alex Borg’s election, though the governing party remains ahead.

– photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta will offer training programmes for Palestinian civil servants as part of its ongoing support for the Palestinian Authority and efforts toward a two-state solution, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

The initiative was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg during the first ministerial plenary of the Palestine Donor Group in Brussels, held alongside this month’s EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

The session was co-chaired by European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, bringing together EU states, regional partners and international donors to support Palestinian reforms.

Borg said Malta has already aided Palestinians through UN agencies and humanitarian organisations, but will now expand its contribution by offering capacity-building programmes through the Institute for the Public Services.

“Institutional state building remains an imperative component for effective governance by the Palestinian Authority,” he said, adding that Malta’s initiative aims to strengthen institutions essential to a future Palestinian state.

He said recent developments—including the Gaza ceasefire, a UN conference on the two-state solution and the Security Council’s approval of the US-led Gaza Peace Plan—make this a critical moment for progress.

Borg stressed that sustained support is needed for reforms that reinforce governance, public services and democratic legitimacy, enabling Palestinians to pursue statehood alongside Israel.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Another hot summer is expected on the transfer market for Manchester United, who, according to English media, are ready to invest over €280 million to revolutionize their midfield. Ruben Amorim’s shopping list includes Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace (valued at €80 million), Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest (asking €90 million), and Carlos Baleba of Brighton (the Seagulls don’t intend to sell him for less than €110 million).

The Red Devils will try to sign at least one of them as early as January, otherwise everything will be postponed until the summer, when the resources for these operations will come from outgoing players. If Barcelona’s buyout of Marcus Rashford is considered a done deal, the one most likely to be sacrificed will be 31-year-old captain Bruno Fernandes, while other funds will be raised by the “cuts” of Casemiro and Jadon Sancho: Their contracts, expiring at the end of the season, will not be renewed, with Manchester United saving approximately €32.5 million in salaries.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Despite the difficulties, Vinicius and Real Madrid will move forward together: according to “As,” there is a firm desire on both sides to renew the Brazilian’s contract, which expires in 2027. Furthermore, Vinicius has expressed his desire to remain in Blancos, and Real Madrid considers him an asset worth protecting, which is why the negotiations seem well on their way to an agreement.

An agreement had already been reached last February, but then the signatures didn’t arrive, and the transfer rumors circulating this summer and the Brazilian’s reaction to being replaced during the last Clasico seemed like a prelude to a definitive departure. But the case between Xabi Alonso and Vinicius has been resolved, and there is the desire on the part of all parties involved to reach a renewal that will bring stability to both the player and the sporting project. Vinicius knows that Real Madrid is the ideal place to continue growing, and both the affection of his teammates and the fans are two other factors that tip the balance toward a deal.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, is adamant: “We’ll see in July.” After the next World Cup, Didier Deschamps will step down as coach of the national team, and the designated heir is expected to be Zinedine Zidane, who has been waiting for nothing else since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.

Yet, when asked about Zidane, Diallo is resistant: “It’s not about creating suspense, but simply a question of respect for the current staff. Didier and his staff have been in charge for 14 years, I don’t want to introduce elements that could disrupt the national team’s preparations. We’ll see in July. Many unexpected things can happen. That said, and I’ve said it before, I have great admiration and respect for Zidane, both for his contribution to French football and for his career as a coach, with the titles he has won. But everything in due time. Now let’s prepare for the World Cup.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The global push for a 15% minimum tax rate on multinationals may be faltering, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana warned, signalling a potential shift that could reshape Malta’s competitive tax landscape.

Speaking at a Finance Malta conference, Caruana said several EU states are now reconsidering their commitments to the OECD-backed reform, following the United States’ withdrawal from the agreement earlier this year under Donald Trump.

“What was once a global effort is no longer the case,” Caruana said, noting that up to 10 EU countries voiced major concerns during a recent meeting of finance ministers. Many now argue that the rules should be revised given the US’s exit, he added.

The proposed reform—aimed at large companies earning over €750 million annually—was introduced by the European Commission in 2021 to curb so-called “race-to-the-bottom” tax competition. Though initially resistant, Malta agreed to the directive while securing a derogation allowing a delay of up to six years.

Caruana offered no definite indication of Malta’s current stance, instead adopting a cautious approach. “Whether the effort will be scrapped remains to be seen,” he said.

Smaller EU economies, including Hungary, Slovakia and the Baltic states, are reportedly leading efforts to dilute the rules, amid growing fears that the reform may undermine national tax incentives.

For Malta, the outcome could prove decisive. While the official corporate tax rate stands at 35%, refund mechanisms mean some multinationals effectively pay around 5%—a system long seen as a key driver of foreign investment.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Cole Palmer has recovered from his groin injury. A positive piece of news for Enzo Maresca who, however, now has to deal with a new and unusual issue affecting one of Chelsea’s biggest talents.

In the pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Burnley, the Italian manager announced a new setback for the England international. “No, he won’t be available tomorrow, and he won’t be available against Barcelona or Arsenal. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury at home — he fractured his big toe just as he had recovered from the groin injury. It’s nothing serious, but he definitely won’t be back next week. We’re not completely sure, but there is a fracture. All we know is that he won’t be available this week or next. I often wake up at night to go to the bathroom, I bump my head, my leg, everything. These things happen,” Maresca said. Palmer has been out since September 20.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS) – The Environment and Resources Authority has opened a public consultation to guide the development of Malta’s first National Food Waste Prevention Programme, with submissions accepted until 12 December 2025. The initiative seeks input from households, businesses, and civil-society organisations, focusing on practical measures to reduce waste across the full supply chain.

ERA is calling for proposals ranging from improved supply-chain coordination and food-donation systems to digital tools that help track surplus food and reduce spoilage. Submissions may include case studies, research, or pilot projects already tested in Malta. Ideas can be submitted via publicconsultation.gov.mt or by email to era.policy@era.org.mt.

The initiative supports new EU obligations introduced under the revised Waste Framework Directive, which requires member states to cut food waste by 10% in processing and manufacturing and by 30% per capita at retail, hospitality, and household levels by 2030. The directive also compels states to adopt common monitoring standards and promote behavioural change.

Malta faces particular challenges due to high consumption patterns and tourism pressure. National data for 2022 show 86,295 tonnes of food waste, with 53% coming from households and 31% from restaurants and catering. Studies indicate tourists generate nearly twice as much municipal waste as residents, much of it food-related.

Authorities say reducing waste can ease pressure on landfills, support food security, and contribute to climate goals. Food donation remains a key area flagged for improvement, alongside clearer food-date labelling and consumer-awareness campaigns.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MONTE CARLO (MONACO) (ITALPRESS) – Two years after his last match, Paul Pogba may finally return to the pitch. On the eve of the match against Rennes, Monaco coach Sebastien Pocognoli announced that the French midfielder could receive his first call-up. “We still have one training session today. We need to assess the squad, as we do with everyone. If everything goes well, it could happen.”

Signed on a free transfer last summer after his doping suspension and contract termination with Juventus, Pogba has since been hampered by various physical issues. “He has completed a series of training sessions, we’ve seen positive signs, and he has been able to train under real match conditions,” Pocognoli added. “During this break we had more time to test different game situations and tactical schemes.”

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews