VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Malta’s long- and short-term sovereign credit ratings at ‘A-/A-2’, maintaining a stable outlook and highlighting the country’s economic resilience amid global uncertainty.

In its latest assessment, the agency said Malta continues to perform strongly despite geopolitical tensions and slowing international economic growth. The report noted that Malta’s economic outlook remains supported by solid fundamentals and improving public finances.

The rating affirmation follows a series of positive economic assessments for Malta. The European Commission recently confirmed that the country met its fiscal targets ahead of schedule, while forecasts indicate that the budget deficit is expected to continue declining in the coming years.

S&P contrasted Malta’s performance with challenges faced by several European countries, including high unemployment and the effects of geopolitical instability. It noted that France, Belgium and Slovakia have recently experienced credit rating downgrades.

The agency said Malta’s improved fiscal position has strengthened its ability to withstand external shocks and respond to unforeseen international developments. The absence of a negative rating revision was seen as a sign of confidence in the country’s fiscal management.

Prime Minister Robert Abela welcomed the report, describing it as “another good result” and a vote of confidence in the newly elected administration.

In a post on X, Abela said the government would continue prioritising measures to protect families and businesses from the effects of the global economic slowdown.

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Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Leonardo Balerdi will miss the World Cup. The Argentine defender, who plays for Marseille, has suffered a muscle injury to his right calf and will therefore be unable to take part in the tournament with the national team. “Good luck, stay strong, and get well soon,” read a message posted by Argentina’s national team on social media.

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Source: medNews

VIENNA (AUSTRIA) (ITALPRESS) – “President Proll has already spoken on several occasions recently and has clearly explained the situation.”

Peter Schöttel, sporting director of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB), appeared somewhat irritated as he dismissed questions regarding Ralf Rangnick, who continues to be linked with AC Milan for a potential role as technical director.

Schöttel was referring to recent comments made by ÖFB president Klaus Mitterdorfer Proll, who reiterated during the Austrian women’s national team’s match that the federation hopes to keep Rangnick in charge through UEFA Euro 2028.

“We have spoken with Rangnick many times and we want to continue with him until the 2028 European Championship. The decision is now up to the coach,” Proll said.

The 65-year-old Austria head coach must therefore make a decision. According to Austrian daily Kurier, it is crucial for the federation that Rangnick’s choice—whether to stay or leave—be made before the start of the World Cup.

(ITALPRESS)

– Photo IPA Agency –
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Source: medNews

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Vincenzo Italiano has been appointed as the new head coach of Beşiktaş.

The Turkish club officially announced the appointment on its website, stating that the former Fiorentina and Bologna manager has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2027–28 season.

“We are convinced that Mr. Italiano will make a significant contribution to our club. We welcome him to the Beşiktaş family and wish him every success,” the club said in an official statement.

Italiano arrives in Istanbul after successful spells in charge of Fiorentina and Bologna and now takes over one of Turkey’s most historic clubs.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – “Bernardo Silva would fit into any team. He’s simply too good.” Those were the words of Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City manager who not only built a friendship with the Portuguese midfielder that goes beyond football, but also won every major trophy alongside him.

Spending a few days in Barcelona on holiday following his departure from City, the Catalan coach inaugurated a tennis court named in his honor at La Salle Manresa, the school he attended before joining Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.

The 31-year-old Portuguese international, now a free agent after his contract with City expired, has been linked with several clubs, including Barcelona, who are reportedly keen on signing him as well as Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, another player Guardiola previously coached at City.

“He’s also a very strong player,” Guardiola said briefly when asked about Álvarez.

Speaking about Barcelona, who ended the season by winning La Liga, Guardiola added: “The team is doing very well. Beyond the results, the last two seasons have been extraordinary because of the football they play. It’s a pleasure to watch them. I’m a great admirer of Hansi Flick and his way of working, and I hope he stays here for many years.”

Guardiola also joked about his own future and declined to comment on rumors linking him with the Italian national team under the federation’s new leadership.

“I’ll go back to studying at La Salle, where I studied as a child, and become a teacher,” he joked. “Managing a national team? I want to take a break for a while and then I’ll see what I want to do. Right now, I don’t even know myself.”

The Catalan coach also sought to reassure Barcelona supporters, many of whom struggled to accept the club’s Champions League quarter-final elimination despite winning La Liga. “Sometimes this competition can destroy projects, and in this case I hope that doesn’t happen,” Guardiola said. “We didn’t win it, but people shouldn’t think everything is negative because of that. Many factors come into play. You need to be in top form during the final stages, avoid injuries, and sometimes a single unfortunate incident or a refereeing mistake can change everything”.

“The important thing is that the day-to-day work remains positive, that the team continues to grow, and that people don’t think the season was a failure just because we didn’t reach or win the Champions League final. League titles are what lay the foundations for a successful season.”

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “The visas required for Iran to participate in the World Cup have been issued, including those for athletes and support staff.” This is the statement from US authorities, reported by the BBC, which definitively opens the door to “Team Melli”‘s participation in the World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Iran, which is in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, has changed its training camp established by FIFA, moving it from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. It will be from their Mexican headquarters that the team will travel to Los Angeles and Seattle, the venues for the group stage matches. The granting of the visas, intended only for players and members of the technical staff, comes just a few days before their debut in Italy scheduled for the night of June 15-16 (in Los Angeles against New Zealand).

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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela received warm congratulations from several European leaders as he attended the European Union and Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on Friday.

A video shared on Abela’s Facebook page showed him greeting and embracing fellow leaders upon arrival at the summit, which focused on strengthening cooperation between the EU and Western Balkan countries.

Leaders were heard congratulating the Maltese Prime Minister on his recent electoral success, with some asking for his advice after he noted that a fourth consecutive electoral victory in Malta was unprecedented.

Among those who briefly spoke with Abela were European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

In his first international summit after again winning the General Election, Prime Minister Abela said the stability of energy prices remains as Malta’s main advantage in times of geopolitical tension and international uncertainty.

During the summit, leaders discussed expanding cooperation with Western Balkan nations as part of broader efforts to address security and economic challenges linked to geopolitical tensions involving Russia and China.

Abela stressed the importance of dialogue and concrete partnerships to strengthen Europe’s security, stability and resilience.

He said ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Arabian Gulf, have increased the complexity of challenges facing the continent.

Abela reiterated Malta’s support for the Western Balkans’ path to EU membership, stating that accession should follow once all required reforms and membership criteria are fully met.

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Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Lamine Yamal had a star season with Barcelona, ​​being named La Liga’s best player for the 2025/2026 season. The young Blaugrana star led the team on a triumphant journey, culminating in the title victory with 94 points. An extraordinary result, thanks in part to the consistency of the youth team talent, who scored 16 goals and 12 assists in the league, decisive numbers for the tournament MVP award and the best assist-provider award. The Spanish international succeeds his teammate Raphinha.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – Expectations are high for Neymar. The Santos striker is continuing to recover from a grade two injury to his left calf. He will miss tomorrow’s friendly against Egypt, but Carlo Ancelotti expects to have him back soon. The player will undergo an MRI scan on Monday to assess the progress of his recovery and, if the outcome is positive, Neymar will finally be able to train with his teammates in the following days. The goal is to have him available for the World Cup debut on June 13th against Morocco.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has registered significant progress in its correctional system over the past 15 years, particularly in inmate support and rehabilitation services at the Corradino Correctional Facility, according to a senior Council of Europe official.

Hugh Chetwynd, Executive Secretary of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), made the remarks during a conference being held in Malta on correctional facilities across Europe.

For two days, Malta is hosting directors of correctional institutions and probation services from 46 Council of Europe member states to discuss challenges facing prison populations, including elderly inmates, women and foreign nationals.

Chetwynd said Malta has made substantial strides in modernising its correctional framework and strengthening rehabilitation programmes that help prisoners prepare for life after release.

He noted that the support currently provided at Corradino demonstrates “real improvement” and described Malta as a country that can offer valuable lessons and good practices to other European prison systems.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of investing in housing and employment opportunities for former inmates, warning that homelessness and unemployment increase the risk of reoffending.

Correctional Services Agency CEO Christopher Siegersma said Malta’s prisons continue to evolve through educational and social initiatives tailored to inmates’ needs. He noted that the Corradino facility houses around 750 prisoners, about half of whom are foreign nationals.

Siegersma added that growing awareness of vulnerable groups, including transgender women and foreign inmates facing cultural and communication barriers, has helped shape a more responsive correctional system.

He described the conference as an opportunity for member states to exchange best practices and further strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration efforts across Europe.

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Source: medNews