ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Spain tops the list, world champion Argentina slips to third, and Italy returns to the top ten. These are some of the many big changes in the new FIFA national team rankings, compiled after over 200 international matches. The reigning European champions return to the top of the world rankings, 11 years after last doing so. The Reds overtake world champion Argentina, who had led the world rankings since April 2023, but who now slip to third place, also overtaken by France, who climbed one place. England remains fourth, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal rises to fifth place, overtaking Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil, who are now sixth. The Netherlands and Belgium remain unchanged in their rankings, seventh and eighth place respectively, while Croatia and Rino Gattuso’s Italy national team, both gaining one place and closing the top ten, are tenth with 1,710 points. Germany, however, has suffered a loss, dropping three places and now ranks 12th, behind Morocco (11th).

Top 10 positions:

1. Spain 1875.37 (+1)

2. France 1870.92 (+1)

3. Argentina 1870.32 points (-2)

4. England 1820.44 (–)

5. Portugal 1779.55 (+1)

6. Brazil 1761.6 (-1)

7. Netherlands 1754.17 (–)

8. Belgium 1739.54 (–)

9. Croatia 1714.2 (+1)

10. Italy 1710.06 (+1)

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PALERMO (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Sicily’s strategic role and the need to strengthen ties between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. These were some of the key themes of the international conference “Palermo, Crossroads of the Mediterranean”, held at the Hotel Villa Igiea in the Sicilian capital, organized by the MedOr Italian Foundation.

Numerous national and international guests took turns speaking during the conference, including debate sessions and institutional presentations. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict was inevitably at the center of the discussion, but the challenges of fostering Africa’s development and the active role Europe is preparing to play were also discussed. The Greater Mediterranean is “a large region that, in my vision, extends to the Gulf countries and beyond, all the way to India. A priority region, which we increasingly want to be an area of peace, dialogue, and growth”, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized in a message.  “I am thinking first and foremost of Gaza, where in recent months we have witnessed a veritable carnage. We are opposed to the offensive in Gaza due to the risks to the civilian population, and to any suggestion of forcibly transferring Palestinians from the Strip. Just as we condemn any plan to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank, or to annex it. We are working for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and access for humanitarian aid. We cannot and do not want to resign ourselves to further military escalation, which would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis”. “The Mare Nostrum must no longer be associated with deaths at sea”, Tajani continues. “We work with our Southern Shore partners to combat criminal networks of human traffickers and to promote growth through equal partnerships, also in the spirit of the Mattei Plan. Italy aims to be Europe’s energy hub in the Mediterranean, thanks to a network of connections that has its terminal in our country. This is also why we are leading the IMEC economic and logistics corridor project, the Cotton Route, to which our companies can make a decisive contribution. Because where goods pass, weapons do not. Thanks to our strong commitment and teamwork, we aim to make Italy a leading player in Europe, the Mediterranean, and the world”.

In the afternoon, the meeting was attended, among others, by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, via video, and by University Minister Anna Maria Bernini. “The Mediterranean is not just a sea, but a complex geopolitical system intertwined with global interests, economic dynamics, and migratory phenomena,” emphasized the Interior Minister. “The level of contention among the actors seeking to exert a sphere of influence over it has risen. Thirty percent of the planet’s oil flows beneath the Mediterranean, and a multitude of undersea cables guarantee internet access to thousands of people. Maintaining the viability of the Mediterranean is crucial not only from an economic but also a security perspective: the national interest must look beyond the Mediterranean basin to counter any form of threat”. Every day, Piantedosi continues, “we face the risk that certain individuals may plan to carry out terrorist attacks in our country. Risks also arise from irregular flows, partly due to the shortcomings of countries of origin in exercising efficient border control, something we have strengthened together with a number of international actors. The migrant business generates 5-6 billion euros in profits each year, 1 billion euros of which comes from the Mediterranean alone. Our commitment to combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking continues; we cannot accept criminal cartels enriching themselves by exploiting people’s desperation. The relentless fight against traffickers is not only a moral duty, but a fundamental strategy for containing the flow: migrants must be provided with legal alternatives to their plans before arriving on European soil”.

Bernini emphasizes how Italy is “a hinge between Europe and the broader Mediterranean in terms of research, innovation, and higher education: we already began some time ago with the Mattei Plan to launch a series of concrete actions and collaborations between research institutions. MedOr sits alongside us in the Mattei Plan’s steering committee, but is also a special advisor to my ministry. We develop concrete projects and missions in which we bring together universities, Italian and African research institutions, businesses, and local communities in a highly virtuous ecosystem, to ensure that culture, education, knowledge, and research are interoperable,” he continues. “For research, there are no borders, only connections, and we strive to create them: all this translates into collaboration agreements, called Joint Degrees, and Capacity Building, which involves training managers, officials, and technicians with best practices, so that everyone can speak the same language”.

– photo xd8/Italpress –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – New legal troubles for Douglas Costa. The 35-year-old former Juventus forward (2017–2020) is facing an arrest warrant issued by the Porto Alegre court for failure to pay alimony. The disputed amount totals 492,965.29 reais (over 78,000 euros), according to Globoesporte.com.

The ruling includes a 30-day prison sentence. This is not the first time the player has been scrutinized by the judiciary: two years ago, while playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy, he was involved in a similar case.

The warrant, valid for two years, authorizes any court officer or law enforcement authority to carry out the arrest. Adding to his legal woes, Sydney FC has announced the termination of his contract. “Sydney has mutually agreed to terminate Douglas Costa’s contract, as the player is unable to travel to Australia. Ongoing legal and personal issues in his home country have prevented the Brazilian from leaving,” read the Australian club’s statement.

In one year wearing the Sky Blue shirt, the forward made 25 appearances, scoring six goals and providing eight assists.

Before leaving, Costa thanked the team and fans:“I want to thank Sydney for giving me the opportunity to play in Australia: it was an incredible year in the Sky Blue jersey. I’m sorry I cannot return right now due to issues I must resolve back home, but I will always remember my time in Sydney fondly. To the members and fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you gave me and the team. Playing in front of you was very special, and I will never forget it.”

– Foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta will not join growing calls to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest should Israel be allowed to take part, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici has confirmed.

Bonnici said he encourages “a culture of dialogue” and insisted that Malta will not threaten to withdraw. “I believe the Eurovision is a place of dialogue,” the minister said. “Although I completely criticise the actions of the Israeli government, I believe that the window of dialogue should always be open.” Bonnici argued that cultural spaces should be used to foster understanding. “Culture should be that one safe space where dialogue can always occur,” he said.

His comments come as several countries – including Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, the Netherlands and, most recently, Spain – have threatened not to participate in next year’s contest if Israel competes. Spain, a member of the contest’s influential “big five,” is the first major financial contributor to raise the prospect of withdrawal. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision, is expected to decide on Israel’s participation at its general assembly in December.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s annual inflation rate has climbed to 2.7%, up by 0.2 percentage points, National Statistics Office and Eurostat figures show. This keeps it above both the EU average of 2.4% and the euro area average of 2.0%. While Malta’s inflation is higher than the European averages, it ranks only 15th within the EU, meaning that a slight majority of member states are facing higher rates. The highest inflation was reported in Romania (8.5%), followed by Estonia (6.2%) and Croatia (4.6%).

At the other end of the scale, Cyprus recorded no inflation, while France registered 0.8% and Italy 1.6%. Compared with July 2025, annual inflation fell in nine EU states, stayed stable in four and rose in 14, including Malta. Inflation is measured through the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), which allows for EU-wide comparisons. The HICP excludes owner-occupied housing, a sector with notable price increases in Malta. The NSO highlighted that the largest upward push in Malta came from restaurants and hotels (+0.69pp), driven mainly by higher restaurant prices. Food and non-alcoholic beverages followed closely (+0.68pp), largely due to increased meat prices. Transport added another +0.40pp, mostly because of more expensive air travel.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – A Bola has no doubts: Benfica and José Mourinho have reached an agreement, and the Portuguese coach himself hinted yesterday that there would be no surprises: “What coach would say no to Benfica?” he remarked.

In a statement released in compliance with Portuguese law, Benfica confirmed “ongoing negotiations for the appointment of coach José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix, which are expected to be concluded shortly.”

According to A Bola, the “Special One” will already take charge of the afternoon training session, even though the final details of the contract signing and the presentation of the former Inter and Roma coach have yet to be defined. Mourinho, who recently parted ways with Fenerbahçe, will replace the dismissed Bruno Lage.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – Together again, and for several more years. Inter Miami and their captain and star, Lionel Messi, are on the verge of signing a contract extension. According to ESPN, only a few details remain to be finalized, but the announcement is expected soon. The story began on July 15, 2023, with a two-and-a-half-year deal set to expire at the end of 2025. Now, the World Cup-winning Argentina captain is ready to continue his adventure in Florida.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS) – The 38th edition of the Italian Super Cup will take place in Riyadh and, as last year, will follow the four-team format, featuring two single-elimination semifinals (December 18 and 19, 2025) and the Final on December 22, 2025.

The clubs competing in the EA SPORTS FC Supercup will be: the 2024/2025 Serie A champions (Napoli), the winners of the 2024/2025 Coppa Italia Frecciarossa (Bologna), the Serie A runners-up (Inter), and the Coppa Italia finalists (Milan).

The first semifinal will be Napoli vs Milan (Thursday, December 18, 2025), followed by Bologna vs Inter (Friday, December 19, 2025). The winners will meet in the final on Monday, December 22, 2025.

All matches will be broadcast live on Mediaset in Italy and will also be available in 180 territories worldwide, where audiovisual rights have already been sold.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PALERMO (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Redefining the way lawyers collaborate, engage in dialogue, and shape the law on a global scale: this is the mission of International Lawyers Worldwide (ILW), the new international network of lawyers that is preparing for its first major event on November 21, 2025, in Palermo.

Born out of the experience of Palmigiano e Associati, a law firm with over seventy years of practice in civil, commercial, and international law, ILW presents itself as an inclusive and multipolar platform designed to connect legal professionals across the world and build a truly global legal ecosystem. In a world marked by profound geopolitical, economic, and technological changes, ILW addresses the need to move beyond a still overly Eurocentric model of cooperation, promoting a more diverse and genuinely global approach.

At the heart of this vision are India and China—no longer merely “emerging markets,” but key players in the new global legal and economic order. With their ancient traditions and rapidly evolving systems, they are today indispensable counterparts. The choice of Palermo as the inaugural venue symbolically reinforces this opening toward Asia, in continuity with the long-standing ties between Sicily and China, highlighted by the recent visit of the Chinese President to the city. The network is focused on the world’s fastest-growing markets. Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where new generations of professionals are driving the expansion of cross-border commercial law; Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, with legal institutions leading sustainable development and regional integration; Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, currently at the center of structural reforms with a strong international outlook; Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, which have become global hubs for international arbitration, finance, and commercial law.

ILW will provide lawyers with tools and tangible opportunities, including: cross-border collaborations for handling international cases; specialized practice groups on international trade, dispute resolution, ESG, digital assets, intellectual property, and real estate; advanced training and mentoring programs for young lawyers; global networking to foster the creation of strategic partnerships. Law firms from more than 15 countries, including India, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, Austria, and Poland, have already confirmed their participation in the Palermo inaugural assembly.

“It is time to move beyond a legal cooperation model that remains too Western-oriented,” says Alessandro Palmigiano, Managing Partner of Palmigiano e Associati and founder of ILW. “Our goal is to provide a platform where lawyers from across the world—particularly from India, China, and other high-potential markets—can play a central role as equal partners. The future of law is global, inclusive, and interconnected”.

Palermo, the Mediterranean Capital of Legal Thought The choice of Palermo is no coincidence. A cosmopolitan city and a natural crossroads between Europe, Africa, and Asia—with a strategic location and a unique cultural heritage—Palermo is positioning itself as the Mediterranean capital of legal thought, a center for advanced training and international dialogue among legal professionals. November 21, 2025 will thus mark the beginning of a new collective journey: a call to all lawyers who want to help redefine the future of the legal profession.

– photo Palmigiano e Associati press office –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “Of course I want to meet De Bruyne, but after the match. I’m not surprised by his expertise in Italy because he’s someone who adapts quickly. He doesn’t need time to perform well. He’s unique because he provides talent, vision, pace. McTominay? He too has been put in the conditions to do extraordinary things in the Azzurri shirt. Conte is a top-notch manager who has left his mark everywhere. It doesn’t surprise me.” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said this in the press conference to introduce tomorrow’s Champions League home game against Napoli. “Are we favorites for the Champions League? I don’t think that’s the case this year. We just want to have fun and enjoy this journey. There are many difficulties. We’re only focusing on tomorrow’s match. There are many games to play, but if we start badly, it’s not the best thing. Last year it went badly against Inter, let’s hope it goes better,” added Guardiola.

“Over the last decade, we’ve always had incredible goalkeepers. Gigio Donnarumma is coming to stay here for many years. He’s obviously a top-class player,” said Guardiola. “Haaland came here to win a lot, and he’s helped us a lot to do that. He did well last season, but now he’s more mature, even though he’s still very young.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews