PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – France got off to a good start in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, but PSG cannot be pleased despite Les Bleus’ 2–0 win over Ukraine. In addition to Dembélé’s injury, Désiré Doué also picked up a calf problem. According to L’Équipe, the midfielder is expected to be sidelined for a period of between three and four weeks. If confirmed, Doué would miss the Champions League fixture against Atalanta on September 17.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “At the beginning of the week, the coach explained his decision to Romelu (Lukaku) and me. I can understand that. I’m no longer the youngest. He opted for a guy who can play for another eight to ten years (Tielemans is 28). It’s a long-term choice” With these words, Kevin De Bruyne once again showed his class, not only on the pitch but also off it. On Thursday, in the 6-0 win against Liechtenstein, he also scored a goal, confirming his technical strength and ability to make an impact.

Despite this, the topic of the captain’s armband could have raised doubts about his role in the national team. Coach Rudi Garcia’s choice instead fell on Youri Tielemans. An attitude that says a lot about the Belgian champion: not only an enlightened playmaker on the pitch, but also a beacon of maturity and awareness for the entire locker room.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Morocco is a nation looking decisively toward the future, where new opportunities are also emerging for Italy. Speaking in Rabat with Italpress, Ambassador Pasquale Salzano, who took up his post just over two months ago, has already witnessed firsthand the ambitions of a country guided by a forward-looking investment strategy.

Morocco is experiencing strong growth and relations with Italy are excellent. What opportunities may open up for Italian companies in the coming years?

“Morocco is undergoing a highly significant phase of economic transformation, characterized by substantial investment in infrastructure, energy, mobility, and digitalization. This creates tangible opportunities for deeper cooperation with Italy. Italian companies can contribute in many directions: from the design and construction of modern infrastructure, to the supply of advanced technologies, and services related to tourism and hospitality. Small and medium-sized enterprises also play a key role, as they are the backbone of our production system and, thanks to their specialized expertise, can align with Morocco’s development priorities.”

Which sectors appear most promising?


“They range from renewable energy and green hydrogen, to automotive and aerospace, as well as agri-industry, digital technologies, and fintech. This commitment is supported by the coordinated action of the Italian System – CDP, SACE, SIMEST, ICE – which provides financial, insurance, and promotional tools to accompany companies into foreign markets, under the strategic direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By way of example, I would recall the partnership established last May between OCP (Office Chérifien des Phosphates) and SACE through a €365 million green financing agreement, which offers business-matching opportunities for Italian companies operating in green technologies, mechanical components, and hydraulics. The goal is to foster partnerships that go beyond the simple supply of goods or services, encouraging the exchange of know-how, innovation, and shared growth. In this sense, economic cooperation becomes part of a broader Mediterranean vision oriented toward the future. These prospects are also framed by two important anniversaries to be celebrated in 2025: the bicentenary of the first Treaty of Friendship and Commerce, which marked the beginning of modern relations between Morocco and Italy, and the 150th anniversary of the first diplomatic mission of the Kingdom of Italy to Fez – evidence of a historic bond now finding new and dynamic forms of cooperation.”

Morocco’s outstanding performance at the 2022 World Cup further ignited the passion of a nation already in love with football. This December, the country will once again host the Africa Cup of Nations. What is your assessment of the infrastructure investments underway?

“The sports infrastructure projects currently being carried out in Morocco reflect a long-term strategic vision. The new stadium in Benslimane, together with the renovation of six facilities in Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, Casablanca, and Fez, are concrete examples of the country’s determination to equip itself with modern and sustainable venues. These projects are progressing rapidly and in line with the highest international standards. Particular emphasis is being placed on energy efficiency, digitalization, and the quality of services for spectators. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be a decisive test not only for the sports facilities but also for the wider logistical system, from transport to hospitality. This approach – linking sport to infrastructure development – is also an interesting model for Italian companies, internationally renowned for their engineering, technological, and organizational expertise.”

In 2030, Morocco will be among the host countries of the FIFA World Cup, a global stage that will bring it unprecedented visibility. What can we expect in terms of organization and hospitality?

“The 2030 World Cup will represent a watershed moment for Morocco and for the entire Mediterranean region. It will not be merely a sporting event, but a catalyst for economic and social transformation. In addition to stadiums, the country has launched wide-ranging structural projects: doubling airport capacity to 80 million passengers, extending the high-speed rail network to Marrakech and Agadir, acquiring new trains for urban and intercity mobility, and developing new hotel infrastructure and digital services. These investments will significantly enhance Morocco’s capacity to welcome visitors and will leave a lasting legacy, not only for tourism but also for the local population. For Italy, new avenues of collaboration are opening in sectors ranging from construction and mobility, to hospitality and technological services. This outlook is also consistent with the vision of the Mattei Plan, which Italy has placed at the centre of its engagement in the Mediterranean and Africa: a strategy founded on equal partnerships, sustainable infrastructure, training, and innovation. It is further confirmation that sport – as Minister Tajani often emphasizes – can serve as a powerful instrument of diplomacy, fostering friendship, economic growth, and international openness, fully aligned with the modernization and global outreach agenda promoted by His Majesty the King.”

– photo: Embassy of Italy in Rabat –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – The injury suffered by Ousmane Dembelé during the World Cup qualifying match in Wroclaw, Poland, between Ukraine and France, which the French won 2-0, risks having an aftermath.

Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly furious with the Blues’ medical staff, who apparently disregarded warnings regarding the striker’s condition. He was forced off the pitch late yesterday after coming on as a second-half substitute with a right thigh problem. The blame is therefore on Dembelé’s international management, as he had already suffered a problem with the back of his left thigh in the Ligue 1 match against Toulouse a week ago.

According to the French champions, not only should he not have been selected last night, but he should not even have been called up by coach Didier Deschamps for this international window. The 28-year-old former Dortmund and Barcelona striker, once he leaves the training camp at Clairefontaine, is scheduled for an MRI scan to further investigate the extent of the injury that’s troubling the Parisians.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Malta Air Traffic Services (MATS) has denied claims that Israeli military aircraft entered Maltese airspace this week, insisting there was “no violation of the sovereignty of the Maltese territory.” In a statement, MATS was responding to reports that Israeli tactical and surveillance planes had flown irregularly through the central Mediterranean on Tuesday night.

The agency clarified that at no point did any aircraft breach Malta’s sovereign airspace. MATS stressed the distinction between a Flight Information Region (FIR) and national airspace. While FIRs are designated for air traffic control, they are not an extension of a country’s sovereignty, the authority explained.

“It is normal and completely legal for military aircraft, even from other countries, to transit through an FIR without prior authorisation,” MATS said. Military tracking website itamilradar.com had reported that three C-130 Hercules aircraft departed from Israel’s Nevatim Air Base on Tuesday afternoon. Two landed at a joint Italian-US base in Sicily, while tracking data for a third reportedly “disappeared near Malta.” Prime Minister Robert Abela, speaking Thursday, said he was not aware of any irregular flight entries into Malta’s airspace and confirmed he had not been contacted by Israeli authorities on the matter.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) – From Qatar to America, the dream continues. Three years after their historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup—the best-ever result for an African nation—Morocco has secured its ticket to the 2026 edition.

The qualification came at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, freshly reopened following renovations and inaugurated just a day earlier by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan. The Atlas Lions sealed first place in Group E with a resounding 5–0 victory over Niger. The match tilted in Morocco’s favour early, as Niger’s Goumey was sent off with a second yellow card in the 26th minute. Oussama El Azzouzi Saibari struck twice in quick succession—first from a Belammari cross (29’), then from Hakimi (38’). In the second half, Ayoub El Kaabi made it three (51’) on another Belammari assist, before goals from Igamane (69’) and Ounahi (84’) completed the rout. Coach Walid Regragui, despite sections of the crowd calling for a more attacking style, consolidated his position with six wins out of six.

The qualification was fueled by the deafening support of 68,700 fans in a sold-out stadium, tickets having vanished within hours. The triumph now shifts momentum toward Morocco’s next target: the Africa Cup of Nations, to be hosted at home from December 18. The Atlas Lions last lifted the continental trophy in 1976, with their most recent final appearance dating back to 2004, when they fell to Tunisia. Fans made their expectations clear with banners demanding, “Now the Africa Cup is our dream”, alongside a choreographed display of a lion hoisting the trophy.

Beyond the players’ physical strength and technical quality, Morocco’s rise reflects years of planning and reform. Since 2014, the government and football federation have invested heavily in stadiums, training centres, and grassroots facilities—even in remote villages. Clubs have been encouraged to adopt professional management models, attracting private investment and creating a sustainable football ecosystem. The results are evident across the board: after the men’s World Cup run in Qatar, the women’s national team reached the final in the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, while the men’s U23 side claimed bronze at the Paris Olympics, narrowly missing the final after a dramatic semifinal against Spain.

Now, with a World Cup berth secured and the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, Morocco’s journey is far from over. As the country also prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, lifting Africa’s most prestigious trophy on home soil would be the crowning achievement of a decade-long transformation.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

Oriol Romeu says goodbye to Barcelona. The defender and the Blaugrana club – the Catalan side announced – have mutually agreed to terminate his contract. “Barcelona thanks Oriol Romeu for his professionalism, commitment, and dedication, and wishes him the best of luck and every success in the future,” the statement concluded.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – FIFA has announced the sixteen members of the Players’ Voice Panel, whose goal is to eradicate racism in football. The committee will include George Weah (Liberia), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Mercy Akide (Nigeria), Iván Córdoba (Colombia), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Khalilou Fadiga (Senegal), Formiga (Brazil), Jessica Houara (France), Maia Jackman (New Zealand), Sun Jihai (People’s Republic of China), Blaise Matuidi (France), Aya Miyama (Japan), Lotta Schelin (Sweden), Briana Scurry (USA), Mikaël Silvestre (France), and Juan Pablo Sorín (Argentina).

“The Players’ Joint Approach Panel is the result of the unanimous decision of the 211 member associations which, as part of the global stance against racism, have made it clear that the world is united in wanting to eradicate racism in football. In this context, for the first time, players will be at the center of this change,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We feel very fortunate to have such passionate and extraordinary people who are sharing their unique experiences,” he added.

– Foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Argentina and Venezuela, won 3-0 by the Albiceleste, was a true Messi Show. At the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, it was likely his last home game for Argentina, with the “Pulce” scoring twice and appearing emotional before and after the match, accompanied to the celebration in his honor by his three children.

“I don’t think I’ll play in another World Cup. The most logical thing is that it won’t happen, but for now I’m here. I remain confident, knowing that it’s a feat that can be achieved game by game. If I’m not well, I’ll prefer not to play,” Messi said. “Last at home? Finishing like this is what I’ve always dreamed of,” added the “Pulce.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela inaugurated Ryanair’s new offices, marking an investment that will generate 70 high-quality jobs and bring the company’s Malta-based workforce to more than 500 professionals.

Spread across 700 square metres, the new hub will support roles in finance, technology, piloting, and engineering. Abela described the project as “a strong vote of confidence in Malta,” adding that it aligns with the government’s long-term Vision Malta 2050 strategy.

At the inauguration, the Prime Minister highlighted the value of local talent within Ryanair’s workforce, praising Maltese engineers and specialists who transitioned into aviation from other industries. “Ryanair’s greatest investment in Malta is its people,” he said.

The aviation sector contributes more than €600 million annually to Malta’s economy and sustains thousands of jobs. Abela noted that the sector is vital not only for tourism but also for high-value niches such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

David O’Brien, CEO of Malta Air and Lauda Europe, described the expansion as a milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to the island. He announced that Ryanair’s Maltese fleet will increase to nine aircraft by next winter, representing a $100 million investment.

O’Brien also revealed plans to boost Malta’s connectivity by 20% during the winter season, with new and expanded routes to the UK, Luxembourg, and Spain. He stressed that stronger links will help attract more visitors during off-peak months.

With this latest expansion, Ryanair strengthens its position as a key player in Malta’s aviation sector while reinforcing the island’s role as a growing hub for European travel.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews