MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Spain coach Luis De La Fuente has announced his squad for the matches against Georgia (Saturday the 15th in Tbilisi) and Turkey (Tuesday the 18th in Seville), which are part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. La Roja has already secured its place, although not yet mathematically. Lamine Yamal returns to the squad, after withdrawing last month and the controversy with Barcelona’s coaching staff. Betis midfielder Pablo Fornals has received his first call-up, while Como striker Alvaro Morata has been excluded again.

The list. Goalkeepers: David Raya (Arsenal), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad). Defenders: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid). Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pablo Fornals (Betis), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid), Pablo Barrios (Atletico Madrid), Aleix Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen). Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez (Barce,lona), Yeremi Pino (Crystal Palace), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Samu Aghehowa (Porto), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS) – “European World Cup qualifiers? We’ve discussed this issue. On the one hand, it’s not nice to see matches finish 10-0, and on the other, smaller clubs, if the format were changed, wouldn’t be able to compete to qualify. We’re discussing how to find a balance.” UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stated this during the “Football Business Forum” at Bocconi University in Milan, organized by La Gazzetta della Sport and SDA Bocconi, regarding the UEFA World Cup qualifying format.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A Malta-registered oil and chemical tanker was boarded by armed pirates off the coast of Somalia on Thursday while sailing from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa, according to maritime authorities and the vessel’s operator.

The Hellas Aphrodite, managed by Greek company Latsco Marine Management, came under fire from assailants wielding machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. The company reported that all 24 crew members were unharmed and fully accounted for.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations office issued an alert soon after the attack, warning vessels in the region to heighten vigilance. UKMTO said the ship’s master had spotted a small craft approaching from the stern before gunmen opened fire.

Security firm Ambrey stated that the attackers were Somali pirates using a skiff launched from an Iranian fishing vessel they had hijacked earlier. The group reportedly succeeded in boarding the tanker before withdrawing.

The incident follows an attempted attack on 3 November involving the Cayman Islands-flagged Stolt Sagaland. That vessel exchanged gunfire with pirates, but its operator, Stolt-Nielsen, confirmed the attack was unsuccessful.

VesselFinder.com data lists the Hellas Aphrodite as a 183-metre oil and chemical tanker built in 2016. Maritime authorities continue to monitor increased pirate activity in the region.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

DUBAI (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES) (ITALPRESS) An enchanting evening of Italian culture took place at Dubai Opera with the outstanding performance of “Roberto Bolle and Friends.” The Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi highlighted the event on social media, calling it a celebration of dance, elegance, and cultural exchange between the United Arab Emirates and Italy.

“Thanks to Mapei CEO Veronica Squinzi for the sponsorship and to Dubai Opera Director Paolo Petrocelli. A warm thank you to H.E. Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, for honouring us with her presence at this event promoted by the Italian Embassy,” the post continued.

“The exceptional relationship between Italy and the United Arab Emirates,” Ambassador Lorenzo Fanara said, “is also reflected in cultural events of such remarkable scale. We are pleased to have contributed, together with Mapei and Dubai Opera, to the realization of this extraordinary artistic moment that strengthens the ties between the highest expression of Italian ballet and the Emirati public.”

-Photo courtesy of the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi-

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Today, following the initial measures of the Turkish Football Federation (suspensions of 8 to 12 months for 149 match officials and assistants), the ordinary justice system has arrived, with the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office announcing the arrest of 18 people, 17 referees and the president of a club, all accused of football betting.

The prosecutor’s office provided only the initials of the arrested individuals, including those of a club president in the Turkish Super League, the top Turkish league, accused of “influencing the outcome of matches and competitions.” A total of 21 suspects have been issued arrest warrants, and 18 of them were arrested during police operations conducted in 12 cities across Turkey. According to the Football Federation’s investigation, based on surveys conducted in Istanbul, out of a total of 571 referees, 371 have a betting account and 152 are active bettors.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BIRMINGHAM (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – More than seven hundred officers were deployed, not so much as security for Aston Villa vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv, but for the pro-Palestine demonstrations that took place before last night’s Europa League match (2-0 to the English side). In the end, Birmingham police reported, 11 arrests were made on a tense evening.

In addition to the pro-Palestine sit-ins in front of Villa Park with flags and banners calling for an end to the violence in Gaza, there was also a march to the stadium by a group (smaller in number according to the BBC) of pro-Israel activists who protested the decision to ban visiting fans from entering the stadium (“Ban hate, not fans,” read one banner). “The level of interest and concern about this match has been unprecedented,” admitted the Birmingham police commander, also referring to the many political controversies that preceded the match between England and Israel. Among the 11 arrests, five people were charged with “racially aggravated public order offenses.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has been named the 12th safest country in the world out of 143 nations, slipping slightly from last year’s 10th place but remaining among the top performers in Europe. The latest figures place Malta 7th out of 31 European countries. Hong Kong ranks 10th and the United Arab Emirates 11th, edging just ahead of Malta. Austria follows in 13th place and Estonia in 14th.

The assessment highlights strong national performance across several safety indicators. Crime is described as effectively controlled, earning Malta a score of 5.1 and a global rank of 44. Civil conflict is considered minimal, with a score of 1.00 and a global rank of 60. Malta stands out for its low levels of interpersonal violence, ranking 3rd worldwide with a score of 0.88. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri welcomed the results in a Facebook post, saying the ranking reflects “the lowest crime rates in recent years.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Bad news for Real Madrid, as the club loses Aurélien Tchouaméni to injury. The French midfielder underwent medical tests that revealed “a strain to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg.”

There is no official timetable for his recovery, but the Spanish press suggests he will be sidelined for at least three weeks, with a potential return after the international break. The hope is to have him back for the Champions League away match in Athens against Olympiacos on November 26.

There was some relief, however, regarding Federico Valverde, who left the match against Liverpool with a knock: tests ruled out any injury, though Xabi Alonso may still choose to rest him for the upcoming game against Rayo Vallecano.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Returns, withdrawals, and exclusions characterize the list of players called up by France’s head coach Didier Deschamps for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Ukraine and Azerbaijan, scheduled for November 13 and 16 respectively.

Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki make their return, while injured players Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé are out. Marcus and Khéphren Thuram have not been included.

There are three “Italian-based” players on the list: Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Roma midfielder Manu Koné, and Milan forward Christopher Nkunku.

Also returning to the squad are former Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani, now with Tottenham, and 2018 World Cup champion N’Golo Kanté, midfielder for Al-Ittihad.

Here is the full list:

Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (PSG), Mike Maignan (Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes).

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), N’Golo Kanté (Al Ittihad), Manu Koné (Roma), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG).

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (Milan).

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BERLIN (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has named a 25-man squad for the final two World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg (away on November 14) and Slovakia (in Leipzig on November 17).

Leroy Sané and former AC Milan player Malick Thiaw are back, while 19-year-old Cologne talent Said El Mala is a new addition. “Let’s hope he shows us what he’s capable of,” Nagelsmann said.

The full list is as follows: Goalkeepers: Noah Atubolu (Freiburg), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Finn Dahmen (Augsburg), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart); defenders: Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Ridle Baku (RB Leipzig), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle); midfielders: Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Said El Mala (Cologne), Leroy Sané (Galatasaray); forwards: Jonathan Burkardt (Eintracht Frankfurt), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle), Kevin Schade (Brentford).

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews