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

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Two Italian tourists have been rescued by members of Morocco’s Royal Gendarmerie after going missing along rugged mountain trails en route to Ouarzazate in southern Morocco, amid particularly harsh weather conditions and an intense cold wave affecting the High Atlas mountains.

According to local sources, units from the Touama territorial brigade, in Al Haouz province, launched extensive search and rescue operations immediately after receiving reports that the two Italian nationals had disappeared while cycling along challenging mountain paths. The search continued throughout the night, covering several difficult routes across the High Atlas, until the two tourists were located and safely evacuated.

Italy’s Ambassador to Morocco, Pasquale Salzano, expressed his “sincere gratitude” in a message posted on X to Morocco’s Royal Gendarmerie, local authorities, and all rescue teams involved in the operation between Telouet and Al Haouz, which led to the discovery and assistance of the two young Italians who had gone missing during a cycling excursion.
The Italian diplomat also emphasised that the mission, carried out in adverse weather conditions and across particularly difficult terrain, concluded successfully thanks to the professionalism and swift response of the Moroccan authorities, working in coordination with Italy’s consular network.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta could be headed for a new referendum, this time on the highly sensitive issue of voluntary assisted euthanasia, should the Labour Party win a new government mandate. The announcement came with the publication of the party’s election manifesto, which outlines its vision and policy priorities ahead of the upcoming general elections. In the document, the party noted that it has already launched a broad national consultation on voluntary assisted euthanasia and has introduced the concept of living wills into Maltese law. “The debate on this sensitive issue must continue,” the manifesto reads, adding that Maltese citizens “should be given the opportunity to express their opinion through a referendum.”

Voluntary-assisted euthanasia (VAE) involves the deliberate termination of a patient’s life upon their explicit request, generally when the patient is mentally competent, suffering from a terminal illness, and experiencing unbearable pain or suffering. A key feature is the direct involvement of a qualified healthcare professional, who administers the medication that ends the patient’s life, subject to informed consent. Referendums remain relatively rare in the archipelago, having been held only seven times since independence. The last one was held in 2015, when voters voted against the abolition of the spring hunting season for turtle doves and quail.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – According to local media, Iran departed Monday for Turkey for a friendly match before traveling to the United States to participate in the World Cup (June 11-July 19). “The Iran national football team, consisting of 22 players and the coaching staff, left this morning for Antalya, Turkey, to play their last friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup,” the Tasnim news agency reported. Iran hopes to play two friendlies in Antalya, although so far only one match against Gambia has been confirmed, on May 29. The players are also expected to use their stay in Turkey to complete their visa procedures for the United States, amid the ongoing conflict between Tehran and Washington. Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said last Thursday that visas have not yet been issued to the Iranian national team, while Tehran is seeking guarantees that its delegation will obtain the visas necessary to stay in the United States.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstroem, however, called the meeting held on Saturday in Istanbul with the Iranian FA to secure Iran’s participation in the tournament “very constructive.” Iran, drawn in Group G, will set up their base camp in Tucson, Arizona, before making their tournament debut on June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand. Iran will then face Belgium on June 21, before concluding the group stage against Egypt on the 26th in Seattle.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – As Spanish media have been reporting for several weeks, Diego Simeone has finally confirmed that he will remain at the helm of Atlético Madrid next season. The Argentine coach took advantage of his pre-match interview ahead of yesterday’s match against Girona, which the club won 1-0, to discuss both his future and the club’s aspirations. “To be honest, I’m already thinking about next season,” the former Inter and Lazio midfielder emphasized. “I’m thinking about myself. I’ll continue, but I’m also evaluating how to approach this new season, hoping that some good players can join us.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has become the first country in the world to strike a national agreement with OpenAI, offering all citizens and residents aged 14 and over a free one-year ChatGPT Plus subscription after completing a government-backed AI course.

The initiative also extends to Maltese citizens living abroad and gives participants the option of choosing Microsoft 365 Personal Copilot instead.

The two-hour “AI for Everyone” course, developed by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority and the University of Malta, is available in Maltese and English through ai4all.gov.mt and requires no prior technical knowledge.

Officials said the programme aims to make artificial intelligence accessible to everyone while equipping citizens with practical digital skills.

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg described the project as a commitment to ensuring “no one is left behind” in the AI era.

Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said the initiative would turn AI from “an unfamiliar concept into practical assistance” for families, students and workers.

OpenAI’s Head of Countries, George Osborne, praised Malta’s move, calling it a global first and saying the country was “leading Europe and the world in bringing AI to all its citizens.”

Microsoft also confirmed its participation, building on its existing collaboration with Malta’s public service.

The initiative forms part of Malta’s broader €100 million investment in digitalisation announced in the 2026 Budget, which includes funding for AI, cybersecurity, robotics and other emerging technologies.

– Photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS) – The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has opened the doors of Western Station on the Orange Line of the Riyadh Metro. With the opening of this station, the entire line, consisting of 22 stations and built by Webuild, officially begins operation. Western Station completes the backbone of the capital’s driverless network, a 176-kilometer infrastructure “which positions Riyadh among the most advanced cities in the world for automated public transport,” Webuild explains in a statement.

Located in the western part of Riyadh and along one of its main arteries, Al Madinah Al Munawarah Road, Western Station is a complex urban hub designed to redistribute intermodal mobility flows. It spans 112,000 square meters and integrates an elevated metro station, a bus terminal, an underground car park with over 600 spaces, commercial spaces, a mosque, and a large public plaza.

Architecturally, the station interprets the Saudi landscape in a contemporary way. The project unfolds through volumes inspired by the colors and shapes of desert dunes. Horizontal structures emerge from the ground, delineating the station’s entrances, guiding natural light into the spaces, and offering shaded areas for pedestrians. Two large arches, with spans of up to 115 meters and a height of approximately 24 meters, support the main roofs, creating a monumental yet legible structure that is an integral part of the urban landscape, rather than an isolated object.

“The Western Station is a project with a strong sustainable footprint,” Webuild emphasizes. “The structure was designed according to LEED Gold criteria, one of the most recognized sustainability certifications. The use of high-efficiency equipment and the contribution of self-produced renewable energy have enabled a reduction in water and energy consumption already during the construction phase.”

The Webuild Group has been present in the Saudi Arabian Kingdom since 1966, where it has already completed over 90 projects, ranging from urban mobility to large civil buildings, from hospitals to industrial plants. In Riyadh, in addition to the Orange Line, he has completed iconic projects such as the Kingdom Centre, a landmark of the city skyline, and is involved in the construction of several lots of the Diriyah Gate urban development project. More recently, he was awarded the contract to extend the Riyadh Metro’s Red Line, supporting the Saudi capital in a new phase of its urban growth.

– Photo by Webuild press office –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Chelsea F.C. have chosen to start anew with Xabi Alonso. The Stamford Bridge club officially announced that the Spanish coach, coming off the dismissal that ended his brief spell in charge of Real Madrid, will take over as head coach of the first team from July 1 after signing a four-year contract with the club.

“One of the most respected figures in modern football, Alonso joins Chelsea with top-level experience gained at Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German club to the first league title in its history,” the London club stated. “His appointment reflects the club’s confidence in his experience, the quality of his coaching and playing philosophy, his leadership skills, character, and integrity — all key factors in the decision to entrust him with the management of Chelsea. He is regarded not only as an exceptional football coach, but also as a leader and a proven professional in several crucial areas for the team’s development.”

“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football, and I am immensely proud to become the manager of this great club,” said the former midfielder, who played in the Premier League for Liverpool F.C. from 2004 to 2009. “After my discussions with the owners and executives, I understood that we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of consistently competing at the highest level and fighting for trophies. There is great talent in the squad and enormous potential at this club, and it will be a great honor for me to lead it. The focus now is on hard work, building the right culture, and winning trophies.”

Chelsea are coming off yesterday’s defeat in the FA Cup Final against Manchester City F.C., at the end of a very difficult season marked by the split with Enzo Maresca — who had achieved great things with the Blues — and the dismissal of his successor, Liam Rosenior.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

GLASGOW (SCOTLAND) (ITALPRESS) – A dream vanished in the 88th minute. Maeda’s goal allowed Celtic to beat Hearts of Midlothian at home, an Edinburgh team that came to Celtic Park on the final day of the season with a two-point lead over the Green and Whites. A draw would have been enough to snatch the title from the reigning champions and, more importantly, to end the hegemony of the Glasgow teams, Rangers and Celtic, who have won the title uninterruptedly since 1985, when Aberdeen, then led by Alex Ferguson, won the league. A dream that seemed ever closer to realization, since in the 43rd minute, Shankland gave Hearts the lead. And although before half-time, in the 48th minute, Engels equalized from a penalty, the title remained in the hands of the visitors. In the second half, the atmosphere was heated and the game was intense, but Celtic couldn’t get ahead until, in the 88th minute, Maeda scored the 2-1 goal, which was first ruled for alleged offside and then upheld after a VAR review.

Hearts suffered a dramatic defeat, but they didn’t give up and charged forward, chasing a title draw with furious scrambles in the penalty area. Osmand made it 3-1 in the 98th minute, with the entire visiting team, including the goalkeeper, in the opponent’s half. It ended with a pitch invasion by the Celtic fans and tears from coach Derek McInnes’s men, who had been heroic for an entire season but were unlucky to slip into the bottom tier. Martin O’Neill’s Celtic won, once again championship for the fifth consecutive year.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Tomorrow will be Robert Lewandowski’s last match at Camp Nou as a player for Barcelona. The 37-year-old Polish striker (August 38) announced on social media that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

“After four years full of challenges and hard work, it’s time to turn the page. I leave with the feeling of having accomplished my mission. Four seasons, three championships. I will never forget the affection I’ve received from the fans since the first days. Catalonia is my home. Thank you to everyone I’ve met during these four wonderful years,” wrote the striker, who also posted a video announcing his decision.

A special thank you goes to President Laporta, who gave me the opportunity to experience the most incredible chapter of my career. Barça is back where it deserves to be. Visca el Barça. Visca Catalunya,” wrote Lewandowski, who scored 119 goals in 191 games and is the 14th highest scorer in the club’s history. According to Mundo Deportivo, his future is still undecided. He has significant offers from Saudi Arabia, MLS (Chicago Fire), but also from Porto, and his name has also been linked to two Italian giants Milan and Juventus.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews