VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A three-day international conference at the Mediterranean Conference Centre is bringing together European experts to discuss ways to strengthen social systems and improve services for citizens.

Held under the theme “Bridging Boundaries: International Insights into Social Services”, the event focuses on building more effective and inclusive social support systems across Europe.

European Social Network President Christian Fillet said the conference aims to provide a realistic overview of the current state of social services across the continent.

He noted that countries are facing shared challenges, including financial instability, asylum pressures and housing shortages, stressing the need to exchange best practices through a common platform.

Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon said the government allocated €4.5 billion from its €7.3 billion 2025 national budget to social benefits, pensions, social housing, disability services, elderly care, free healthcare and education.

Foundation for Social Welfare Services Chief Executive Alfred Grixti said the conference seeks to expand access to social services for more Europeans, underlining the importance of integrated rather than fragmented systems.

Discussions also focused on strengthening social safety nets, promoting social inclusion and modernising service delivery across the sector.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – Cristiano Ronaldo and, at least for the moment, 26 others. Of course, CR7 is also on the list of 27 players called up by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez for the 2026 World Cup. The 41-year-old Al Nassr player is therefore preparing to play in his sixth World Cup, which will see the Portuguese team face Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan, Colombia, and Congo in Group K of the World Cup. Among the 27 pre-called players are two players who play in the Italian league: Juventus and AC Milan wingers Francisco Conceiçao and Rafael Leao, respectively.

This is the list of 27. Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sà (Wolverhampton), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon) e Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi). Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahçe), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Ruben Dias (Manchester City) and Tomas Araujo (Benfica). Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (Psg), Vitinha (Psg), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) e Bernardo Silva (Manchester City). Forwards: Joao Felix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting Lisbon), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (Milan), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (PSG) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr).

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – José Mourinho‘s “restoration” could begin with a Ballon d’Or. The Special One’s return to Real Madrid now seems like a formality, although no announcements can be made until the election process convened by Florentino Perez is concluded.

Meanwhile, the club is reportedly already working on the Portuguese coach’s instructions, who has reportedly set transfer market management as a condition for his return. And among Mourinho’s demands is Rodri, whose contract with Manchester City expires in 2027.

At the Etihad, they’d like to convince him to renew, but the almost 30-year-old Spanish midfielder is eager to return home, and Real Madrid would be the perfect solution. It won’t be a low-cost move, however: City’s initial asking price is reportedly around €65 million.

Furthermore, Rodri might not be the only player arriving from Manchester: Mourinho has also reportedly indicated Bernardo Silva, whose contract expires in June, as one of the ideal reinforcements, while it would be more complicated to snatch Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea given his contract runs until 2032.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TIRANA (ALBANIA) (ITALPRESS) – Rolando Maran is the new coach of Albania. The Albanian Football Federation has announced the departure of Brazilian Silvinho and a return to the “Italian job,” selecting the Trentino-born coach, born in 1963 and formerly of Catania, Chievo, Cagliari, Genoa, Pisa, and Brescia, among others. Before Maran, other Italians have led Albania, from Dossena to De Biasi, from Panucci to Reja. The Federation’s president, Armando Duka, presented him, announcing the signing of a two-year contract, listing among his objectives “first place in the Nations League and qualification for the European Championship.”

“I would like to thank the president for entrusting me with a role that is so important to me. I also thank Sylvinho and congratulate him on his work. I have followed the Albanian national team closely, and they have achieved great things,” Maran said. “The president is giving me the opportunity to lead a national team that represents a very proud people. It is a great honor for me, and my promise is to convey this great love for the nation and for this jersey on the pitch. My staff and I will give our all.”

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Hansi Flick and Barcelona will continue together. The German coach has signed a contract extension until 2028, with an option for an additional season.

The agreement, which had reportedly been reached several days ago, was officially finalized today with the signing at the Spotify Camp Nou offices.

Flick did not hide his enthusiasm and satisfaction at continuing his experience with the Blaugrana: “I’m happy to work with Deco and to have the trust of the president. It’s incredible to be part of this club, and staying here is a pleasure.”

In two seasons on the Catalan bench, the coach has left a significant mark by triggering a major turnaround. Under his leadership, Barcelona have won two league titles, one Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups.

Beyond the trophies, Flick has also managed to strengthen the dressing room atmosphere. Younger players see him as a father figure, while the veterans have expressed complete respect — both personally and professionally — for his methods, helping to create a strong and united environment.

With these foundations in place, the club is now aiming to regain the international dominance it has lacked for some time, but the challenge does not intimidate the German coach: “We will give everything to make our dreams come true. We want to win more trophies, including the Champions League.”

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(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – Carlo Ancelotti has made his choices in an attempt to bring Brazil back to the top of world football. The Seleção coach announced the 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, and Neymar is also included in the group, ending weeks of speculation over his presence.

The former Barcelona and PSG forward, who returned to Santos in January 2025 with the World Cup in mind, ultimately managed to convince the coach from Reggiolo to take him to the tournament. Neymar will become only the ninth player in history to appear in four World Cups with Brazil, matching Castilho, Djalma Santos, Nilton Santos, Pelé, Leão, Cafu, Ronaldo, and Thiago Silva.

Also included in the squad are two players from Serie A clubs, Roma’s Wesley and Juventus defender Bremer, while the exclusion of Chelsea forward João Pedro comes as a surprise.

Brazil has been drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, and will make its debut on June 14 in New York against the Atlas Lions.

Here is the squad announced by Ancelotti:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio).

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Wesley (Roma), Bremer (Juventus), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG).

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo).

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid).

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Spain has been hit hard by the loss of Fermin Lopez for the next World Cup. Barcelona announced in a statement that the midfielder, injured yesterday against Real Betis, has fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and will require surgery. He is expected to be sidelined for approximately two months, meaning he will be out of the World Cup. Much to the chagrin of coach de la Fuente, who considered him one of the untouchables in his squad.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Real Madrid have announced the departure of captain Dani Carvajal at the end of the season. The news was confirmed in an official statement released on the club’s website.

The Spanish full-back will not renew his contract, which expires in June, bringing to an end a legendary 24-year association with the club, including 13 years with the first team.

“Carvajal has always represented the values of Real Madrid in an exemplary way. This is and always will be his home,” said club president Florentino Perez in tribute to the player.

The defender’s last season was particularly difficult. After suffering a serious right knee injury in October 2024 — including tears to the anterior cruciate ligament, the lateral collateral ligament, and the popliteal tendon — Carvajal struggled to regain his place in the team hierarchy, also due to the arrival in Madrid of English full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Carvajal is now preparing to bid farewell to Los Blancos after writing one of the most glorious chapters in Real Madrid’s history. With 450 appearances and 14 goals, his trophy haul with the Merengues includes 27 titles, highlighted by 6 Champions League trophies, 5 UEFA Super Cups, 5 Club World Cups, and 4 La Liga titles.

The full-back will receive a final tribute from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd during the final Liga matchday against Athletic Bilbao.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TURIN (ITALY) – The book The Wind of Dakhla, the Sun of Calabria – From Morocco to Calabria, a Story of Relationships and Responsibility, by lawyer Domenico Naccari, president of the Europa-Calabria Foundation, was presented at the Turin International Book Fair.

The event drew a significant audience, including representatives from cultural and institutional circles, underscoring growing interest in Mediterranean dialogue, regional cooperation, and cultural diplomacy between Morocco and Italy. Joining the author at the presentation were publisher Santo Strati and Morocco’s Ambassador to Italy, Youssef Balla.

In his remarks, Ambassador Balla described the book as “a human and Mediterranean reflection on the ties between two southern territories: Dakhla and Calabria.” He emphasized the value of the work in portraying diplomacy built through personal connections, mutual respect, and the ability to create lasting bridges between peoples.
The ambassador also highlighted the rapid development and transformation of Morocco’s southern provinces, particularly the Dakhla region, which has become a focal point for major infrastructure, economic, and strategic projects.

Balla further addressed recent international developments regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue, pointing to growing international support for a realistic, pragmatic, and lasting political solution based on Morocco’s autonomy initiative within the framework of the Kingdom’s sovereignty.

For his part, Naccari stressed the book’s focus on the geopolitical importance of the Mediterranean and the African Atlantic, as well as the role of territorial cooperation between Calabria and Morocco as a practical model for dialogue, integration, and shared development between Europe and Africa.

The author also highlighted the significance of the twinning agreement signed in 2022 between the cities of Dakhla and Vibo Valentia, describing it as a concrete example of territorial cooperation and stronger cultural and institutional ties between Morocco and Italy.

– Photo: Embassy of Morocco in Italy –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Andrea Maldera has been appointed as the new head coach of the Ukraine national football team. The Italian manager has signed a two-year contract with an option for renewal.

“I am very happy to be here. It is an honor to take on the role of head coach of the national team,” said Maldera, who previously worked on Andriy Shevchenko’s coaching staff.

He will manage his first match as head coach of the Ukrainian national team on May 31 against Poland.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews