PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Paris Saint-Germain is preparing for its Champions League opener while looking to regain its footing after a Ligue 1 start that fell short of expectations. On the eve of the match against Slovan Bratislava, Luis Enrique is candid in his assessment of the team’s current situation: “If we look only at the results, it has been a disastrous start to the season. But as a coach, I have to evaluate what happens on the pitch, and I think we deserve more points. We need to improve, and we are continuing to work on that.” The Spanish manager is calling, above all, for greater defensive focus following the eight goals conceded in the first five matches: “We’ve conceded some spectacular goals, and there is an element of luck involved. I’m calm, but we need to grow, stay more focused, and improve our efficiency.” However, the Champions League objective remains highly ambitious. Under the new format, Luis Enrique aims to finish the opening phase in the top eight to avoid the playoffs: “I’d like to be in the top eight and avoid the play-off round. It will be difficult, but our goal is direct qualification.” There is no underestimating Slovan Bratislava, either—a team coached by former midfielder Yaya Touré: “They are a side that loves to have the ball and follows a philosophy reminiscent of Barcelona or Manchester City. We’ll see if they want to play that same way tomorrow or opt for a more defensive approach.” Luis Enrique was equally clear about the need to maintain high intensity following the successes of recent seasons: “The past is the past. You have to renew your motivation every day, step out of your comfort zone, and constantly reinvent yourself.”

Marquinhos shared this view, focusing particularly on the defensive unit’s struggles: “It’s painful for a defender. We’re conceding too many goals, and we know why—the coach has shown us the footage. These are errors that don’t reflect our true level, and we need to improve.” The captain also highlighted the work being done on counter-pressing and tracking back—areas where PSG needs to regain intensity and consistency. Marquinhos also defended Luis Enrique’s management style, including his willingness to make tough calls regarding the players: “He’s always been like that. He demands 100% from everyone and isn’t afraid to make difficult decisions. No one likes sitting on the bench, but that’s football: we have to earn our spot. It’s an excellent way to manage the squad.” As for the chances of winning a third consecutive Champions League title, the Brazilian didn’t shy away from the challenge: “It would be historic. Winning just one is incredibly hard, let alone three. It requires ambition, motivation, and extremely high standards.” Dembélé is among the most anticipated key players: “He’s a complete player—he scores, he sets up goals, and he’s vital to us. The coach is very happy to have him.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The daily discovery of dead fish on beaches across Malta and Gozo may potentially be linked to a virus that has affected sardines along the African coast, although no connection has yet been confirmed.

Malta’s Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) said the cases are being investigated and the relevant entities have been alerted.

The sardine species affected in Africa belongs to the same family as Malta’s native sardine, commonly known as Laċċa.

Scientists have confirmed that Pilchard Herpevirus (PHV) does not pose a danger to humans.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom confirm their intention to introduce national restrictions and/or support European ones on trade in goods originating from settlements (Israeli settlements in the West Bank), which are illegal under international law, or are actively considering such and other measures, in accordance with their respective national procedures. In this regard, the United Kingdom, France and Canada welcome the important measures already adopted by Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway and Belgium and will take national measures to ban trade in goods originating from settlements.” This is stated in a note from the British Foreign Office.

For the aforementioned countries, “the actions of the Israeli government in the West Bank are undermining the possibility of a two-state solution. The situation is rapidly deteriorating due to unprecedented levels of settler violence and the expansion of settlements, including the unacceptable decision to publish tenders for the E1 settlement project.” Therefore, “British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed on the need to take action to prevent further damage.”

The joint statement explains that “the two-state solution must be protected, and we will act to pursue a just and lasting peace, based on the principles enshrined in the New York Declaration adopted one year ago. We strongly oppose actions amounting to the annexation of Palestinian land and the forced displacement of the Palestinian population.”

“The Government of Israel must immediately halt the expansion of settlements and civilian administrative powers, ensure accountability for settler violence, and investigate allegations against Israeli forces,” the statement continues.

Finally, the aforementioned countries recognize “Israel’s legitimate security interests and reiterate our condemnation of Hamas’s terrorist attack on October 7, the worst antisemitic massacre since the Holocaust. We are firmly determined to combat antisemitism wherever it manifests itself. We are unequivocally committed to the two-state solution, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, which would enable Israel and a sovereign, democratic and viable Palestinian state to live side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition within secure and internationally recognized borders.”

– Photo: Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Activists held a silent vigil for assassinated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia during Malta’s Victory Day commemorations in Valletta on Monday evening.

Dozens gathered near the Courts, holding large printed photographs of Caruana Galizia as official ceremonies took place nearby.

The Victory Day ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Robert Abela, Speaker Carmelo Abela and Deputy Opposition Leader Alex Perici Calascione, among other senior officials.

Activists displayed photographs bearing messages including “Justice for Daphne” and reminded those attending the ceremony of her assassination.

The protest was held in front of the Courts, symbolising activists’ continued demand for justice. The memorial to Caruana Galizia, maintained by pressure group Occupy Justice, had been cleared for the Victory Day celebrations. At the end of the official ceremony, demonstrators began chanting “justice, justice” as Abela and other dignitaries left the area.

The vigil came days after Yorgen Fenech was acquitted of masterminding Caruana Galizia’s murder. Fenech was found not guilty by eight votes to one on charges of complicity in her wilful homicide and association with others to commit a crime.

Caruana Galizia, an investigative journalist, was killed by a car bomb outside her home in Bidnija on October 16, 2017.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Diogo Leite is officially a Lazio player. The Portuguese defender, who became a free agent last June after leaving Union Berlin, has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for another two seasons. The Biancocelesti club made the announcement.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

AVELLINO (ITALPRESS) – James Rodriguez is close to a new adventure. The Colombian playmaker, currently a free agent after his MLS stint with Montreal Impact, is reportedly in talks with Avellino, a Serie B club coached by Alessandro Nesta, according to ‘Marca’.

The parties are working on finalizing the financial details, but the distance between them now appears to be short. Direct contact between Nesta and the player will also be crucial, with the coach reportedly having the opportunity to meet James personally.

The Colombian’s arrival would represent a highly experienced and high-quality addition to Avellino, currently fifth in the league. After evaluating various options in recent months, James may have found the right project to start over.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Greece is strengthening its support for Morocco’s proposed Sahara autonomy plan, believing it represents a “serious and credible contribution” to the political process conducted under the auspices of the United Nations and that it “could constitute the most feasible solution” for reaching a definitive resolution to the regional dispute. This was stated by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, following a meeting in Athens with Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, who is on a working visit to Greece. According to a statement published on the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website, Gerapetritis emphasized that, in line with the European Union’s common position, Athens “fully supports the efforts” of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura, to conduct negotiations on the basis of Morocco’s autonomy proposal, with the aim of reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution.

The Greek diplomat also recalled that Greece, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 biennium, welcomes the adoption of Resolution 2797, which places Morocco’s autonomy proposal at the basis of negotiations for a final political solution. “We believe that the autonomy proposal constitutes a serious and credible contribution to the ongoing UN process and could represent the most viable solution,” Gerapetritis stated. Athens’s position thus consolidates the growing European convergence around a negotiation process based on the Moroccan autonomy initiative and fits into the new framework outlined by Security Council Resolution 2797. The Greek minister also highlighted Morocco’s role as a “pillar of stability” in the region and its active contribution to the development of the African continent. During the meeting, Bourita and Gerapetritis also addressed the strengthening of bilateral relations, with particular attention to economic and trade cooperation, infrastructure, green energy, water management, ports, maritime transport, and the agri-food sector. Athens also considers Morocco an important gateway to sub-Saharan African markets and is looking to the opportunities offered by major infrastructure projects related to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom will host.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

FLORENCE (ITALPRESS) – Fiorentina is retracing its steps and bringing in Paolo Vanoli to take the helm. After announcing on Sunday evening the dismissal of Fabio Grosso—following just three matchdays, with the Viola still on zero points after losses to Roma (0–4), Frosinone (0–3), and Torino (1–2)—the club decided to recall the 54-year-old coach from Varese.

He had previously stepped in for Pioli last season, successfully saving a team that had scraped together only four points from its first ten games. Although that achievement wasn’t enough to secure his position at the time, he now has a new opportunity; he knows the environment well—having worn the Viola jersey as a player from 2000 to 2002 and won a Coppa Italia—and brings extensive coaching experience. After starting in Serie D and working within the national federation system (serving as Ventura’s assistant and later as Under-19 head coach, where he won silver at the European Championship), he was part of Antonio Conte’s staff at both Chelsea and Inter. He has also managed Spartak Moscow (winning a Russian Cup), Venezia (leading them to Serie A in his second season), and Torino (finishing eleventh) prior to the call from Fiorentina last November.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LILLE (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – “The Champions League represents the start of a new phase in this role for me, with different responsibilities, but it’s not something completely new. I try to put the experience I’ve gained over the years as assistant coach at the club’s disposal. Now I hope to write my own story in this competition, under my own name.” Davide Ancelotti is ready to debut in a new role in Europe’s premier club competition.

After experiencing the Champions League alongside his father Carlo, he is now at the helm of Lille, which will make its league debut tomorrow against Betis. “We’re here because the club did a great job last year. The team deserves to be in this Champions League and wants to prove it. We’ll fight, and the goal will be to be extremely competitive until the end, without knowing the final result.”

Tomorrow’s matchup will be a generational one: on one side, Ancelotti, at 37, and on the other, Manuel Pellegrini, at 72. “He’s had an incredible career and achieved a lot of success. Those of us who are just starting out, like me, have a lot of admiration for him. I don’t know if I’ll ever live to be his age. I tell myself it’s impossible. But when I see my father, who doesn’t stop either, maybe I’ll change my mind too.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Matthew Caruana Galizia has called for a retrial of Yorgen Fenech following his acquittal in the case concerning the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

In a Facebook statement following the verdict, Caruana Galizia said Fenech had “got away with murder” and insisted that the case must be heard again.

“I expect no less than a retrial,” he wrote. He also urged police and prosecutors not to be distracted by what he described as false leads allegedly introduced by people seeking to misdirect the investigation.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews