FIGC Rebuild: Italy appointed football legend Paolo Maldini as Technical Director, tasked with restoring the national team after failing to qualify for the last three World Cups, in a four-year push through 2030 alongside advisor Leonardo and a new coach search. EU Funding Clash: The European Commission recommended ending €2m funding for the Venice Biennale after Russia’s pavilion reopened, escalating tensions between Brussels and Italian cultural authorities. South China Sea Solidarity: Fourteen countries including Italy reaffirmed a 2016 UNCLOS arbitration ruling as final and legally binding, rejecting China’s expansive claims and backing freedom of navigation. NATO Politics Watch: Reports from the Ankara NATO summit say Trump warned allies that immigration and energy policy failures could “dissolve” Europe, while the wider alliance debate continues over defense spending and unity. Diplomatic Security: Iran’s state-linked media published a “revenge” hit list naming leaders including Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, adding to regional tensions after Khamenei’s death. Italy-Bangladesh Industry Ties: Italy signaled deeper cooperation with Bangladesh’s textile sector via advanced machinery and B2B meetings, citing €2bn+ bilateral trade and a push toward diversified, safer, more sustainable production.