GLASGOW (SCOTLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Chaos has gripped Celtic Park, where Brendan Rodgers has resigned. This decision comes after a 3-1 defeat to league leaders Heart of Midlothian, which dropped the team to eight points off the top spot after nine games, but especially after comments from majority shareholder Dermot Desmond, who accused him of “divisive, misleading, and opportunistic” behavior.

Rodgers, 52, returned to Celtic Park in 2023, signing a three-year deal and attempting to mend the wounds he had broken in February 2019 when he left the club midway through the season to accept Leicester’s offer. But since last summer, relations with Desmond have deteriorated, with accusations—Rodgers had stated that he had not been offered a renewal and that the transfer was made without consulting him—and vitriolic responses.

While a successor is being identified—Postecoglu, McKenna, Solskjaer, and ten Haag, among others, are being floated—Martin O’Neill will take the helm. The 73-year-old Northern Irish manager, whose last stint as manager dates back to 2019 with Nottingham Forest, returns to lead Celtic for the first time in twenty years: between 2000 and 2005, he managed three league titles, three Scottish Cups, and a League Cup, as well as reaching the 2003 UEFA Cup final, which he lost to Mourinho’s Porto in extra time. “But I’m just here to keep the bench warm,” O’Neill, who makes his debut tomorrow against Falkirk, made clear about his interim role.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, received on Monday in Rabat an Italian parliamentary delegation from the intergroup “Support for the Autonomy Initiative in the Sahara,” which is on an official visit to the Kingdom until October 28.

According to Morocco’s official news agency MAP, the delegation — led by Ettore Rosato, Deputy Secretary General of the Azione Party — reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, describing it as a “long-term peace proposal” capable of paving the way for a lasting political solution to the conflict within the framework of the United Nations. Rosato expressed confidence that a forthcoming UN Security Council resolution could further strengthen this positive dynamic in favour of regional stability.

During talks, the delegation highlighted Rabat’s commitment to developing the Saharan provinces, welcoming the socio-economic progress observed during a visit to Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra.

Rosato also noted that the partnership between Italy and Morocco takes place within a broader Mediterranean geopolitical context that calls for greater cooperation, particularly in the economic, energy, and security sectors.

The mission coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Green March and the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Italy. The delegation includes members of both the majority and opposition from the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

As part of the visit, the delegation was also received by Rachid Talbi Alami, Speaker of the House of Representatives. The discussions focused on ways to strengthen bilateral parliamentary cooperation and promote new economic and cultural partnerships, while reaffirming support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and the autonomy plan as the only realistic solution to the regional dispute.

-Photo MAP-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Hundreds gathered outside Parliament on Monday evening in a mass protest against new planning reforms, branded a “developers’ coup,” as Finance Minister Clyde Caruana delivered the 2026 Budget inside.

The demonstration, led by the Ġustizzja għal Artna coalition — an alliance of more than 70 NGOs — was a coordinated act of defiance aimed at exposing what activists called a crisis in environmental governance.

The protest capped a weekend of activism, including a protest camp set up outside Parliament since Sunday.

Prime Minister Robert Abela met the campers, but the speeches pulled no punches. Moviment Graffitti’s Andre Callus warned that Bills 143 and 144 “will destroy our country,” accusing the government of betraying citizens for the sake of developers. “People will resist, people will fight for our land,” Callus vowed, urging MPs to reject the legislation.

Other speakers accused the government of abandoning promises to strengthen planning appeals and protect heritage sites.

The coalition insists the proposed reforms would erode environmental safeguards, weaken citizens’ rights, and grant broad powers to the Planning Authority. Protest leaders pledged to continue mobilising until the bills are withdrawn.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s economy continued to surge ahead of the rest of Europe, recording the fastest growth rate in the European Union during the first half of 2025, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced in his Budget speech on Monday evening.

Gross Domestic Product rose by 3.1 per cent in real terms, more than double the EU average. Caruana said the expansion was driven mainly by domestic demand and strong service exports, particularly in the digital and information sectors, which grew by 7.4 and 10.3 per cent respectively.

Tourism remained a key pillar of growth, with 2.2 million visitors in the first seven months of the year — up 13 per cent— and total spending rising 19 per cent.

Forecasts indicate continued momentum, with 4.1 per cent growth expected in 2025 and inflation stabilising at 2.2 per cent. The Cost-of-Living Adjustment for next year will be €4.66 per week, alongside an additional payment benefiting some 85,000 families.

Malta’s deficit has fallen sharply from 8.7 per cent during the pandemic to 3.3 per cent, projected to decline further to 2.8 per cent next year. Public debt, at 47.1 per cent of GDP, remains among the lowest in the EU.

Caruana credited Malta’s “strong fundamentals” and fiscal discipline for enabling continued investment without austerity, saying the Budget will “protect families, sustain businesses, and strengthen the economy for future generations.”

-Photo Doi-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Preacher in a Spanish church. This is the new life of Dani Alves, 42, former defender for Barcelona, ​​Juventus, and PSG. Acquitted this spring by the High Court of Catalonia of raping a young woman in a nightclub, the former Brazilian, a Tokyo Olympic champion, has radically changed his life.

After 14 months in prison and being released on €1 million bail, in addition to paying €150,000 to his alleged victim, Alves disappeared from the media spotlight. At least until a video, originally published by the Spanish newspaper El Confidencial and circulating on social media since yesterday, revealed his conversion.

It shows the former defender, who describes himself on his Instagram account as a “disciple of Jesus Christ,” preaching in a Spanish church. With his arms raised, a grimace, and eyes half-closed, Alves appears tormented as he performs a few dance steps in front of a group of worshippers. Then, microphone in hand at the foot of a stage, the Brazilian exclaims with solemn gestures: “We must take God seriously and have faith. I am living proof of that. What God promises, God keeps. I made a pact with God.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – There’s no peace for Dani Carvajal. Fresh from his return for the El Clasico, the Real Madrid full-back complained of discomfort, and tests revealed “the presence of a loose joint in his right knee.” Carvajal will undergo an arthroscopy and, according to Spanish media, will be out for a month and a half to two months. Xabi Alonso is thus left with only Trent Alexander-Arnold, also recently returned to action, at right-back.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Activists from the ‘Ġustizzja għal Artna’ campaign set up camp outside parliament, ahead of a national protest against the government’s proposed planning reforms.

Dozens of tents were erected by members of the coalition, which brings together several NGOs. In a Facebook post, the activists declared the start of their “Justice for Our Land” campaign, vowing not to let developers “dictate the law” or “destroy what we hold dear.”

They demanded that the government immediately withdraw the two planning bills and legal notices tabled before the summer recess. The activists said they would remain outside parliament “for as long as necessary” to make their voices heard.

Bill 143 would grant sweeping powers to the Planning Authority, overriding local plans and facilitating more development, while Bill 144 would reform the appeals process, making it harder for citizens to contest planning decisions.

Environmental groups have strongly opposed the proposed changes, describing them as a threat to community rights and environmental protection.

The protest is scheduled for Monday evening, outside the law courts and proceeding to parliament.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – An earthquake has shaken Turkish football. Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, president of the Turkish Football Federation, announced at a press conference that “371 of the 571 referees active in professional leagues have a betting account. And of these, 152 are actively betting.”

This shocking revelation is based on an investigation launched last April by the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office. Haciosmanoglu, going into detail, specified that “10 referees have placed over 10,000 bets, one has placed 18,227 bets alone, 42 referees have placed bets on over 1,000 football matches individually, and some referees have placed bets on a single match.” The data has been shared with FIFA and UEFA.

“It will be our duty to clean up Turkish football,” he added. “We are saddened that, despite the regulations being clear, some referees have opened accounts in their own names to bet.” The clubs have reacted strongly, demanding the names of the referees and assistants involved. “The Federation must transparently disclose the names of the referees who have betting accounts and actively use them, the matches these referees bet on, and the types of bets placed,” Besiktas thundered, ready to take legal action.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MOSCOW (RUSSIA) (ITALPRESS) – “Are we ready if Italy were to be taken away from hosting Euro 2032? Russia is always ready.” These are the words of Alexander Dyukov, president of the Russian Football Federation, who spoke to “Sport24.ru” on the sidelines of the friendly match against Bolivia.

Dyukoz was asked about the possibility, floated at the end of August by Enzo Maria Simonelli, president of the Serie A League, of Italy being denied the right to co-host the 2032 European Championships with Turkey due to the poor condition of the stadiums.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – In celebration of Italian Heritage Month, the Consulate of Italy in Detroit welcomed a distinguished delegation from Vacri (Abruzzo, Italy) for an official visit to Farmington, Michigan, marking a new chapter in the friendship between Italy and the Midwest.

The visit—organized at the invitation of Farmington Mayor Joe LaRussa—brought to life a shared vision of cultural and economic collaboration between the two communities. During the delegation’s stay, Mayor LaRussa and Vacri Mayor Piergiuseppe Mammarella signed a Friendship and Sister City Agreement, formally linking their municipalities in a partnership that celebrates Italian heritage while promoting future exchange in tourism, business, and education.

As part of their Michigan program, the delegation was received at the Consulate of Italy in Detroit, where Consul Allegra Baistrocchi highlighted the Consulate’s ongoing efforts to connect Italian and American communities and to strengthen regional relationships across the five states under its jurisdiction.

To commemorate this historic union, the Consulate invited Abruzzese artist Marco Mazzei to Michigan for “La Giornata del Contemporaneo, Italy’s national day celebrating contemporary art. During his stay, Mazzei created a sculpture of a leaf, donated by the Consulate to the City of Farmington as a lasting symbol of friendship and renewal.

The leaf was chosen in part as a nod to Farmington’s city logo – ,symbolizing growth and community – but also to honor the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Italea” project, which encourages Italian Americans to reconnect with their roots and rediscover the Italy of their ancestors. The gesture celebrates the vibrant Italian American community in Michigan and the enduring cultural bonds that tie Italy and the United States.

The Consulate also involved the Federazione Abruzzese del Michigan, which proudly hosted a dinner in honor of the Vacri delegation. During the evening, Consul Allegra Baistrocchi and Mayor Piergiuseppe Mammarella were each presented with a special tribute from Macomb County, a gesture symbolizing the appreciation and shared heritage between the local Italian American community and their counterparts in Italy.

“Moments like these remind us how strong and meaningful our transatlantic connections remain,” said Consul Allegra Baistrocchi. “Farmington and Vacri now share a friendship that celebrates our shared values—community, creativity, and heritage—while looking toward the future.”

The Consulate extends its gratitude to Mayor Joe LaRussa, Mayor Piergiuseppe Mammarella, the Federazione Abruzzese del Michigan, the City of Farmington, the Comune di Vacri, and all partners who made this exchange possible—an initiative that beautifully reflects the spirit of Italian Heritage Month and the living ties between Italy and Michigan.

– photo Italpress –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews