Oct 26, 2026, 05:30 AM UTC

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their career pathways and the current dynamics within domestic football.

Čeh, who spent over a decade as an assistant coach to Srečko Katanec—including a seven-year tenure in Asia—highlighted his ongoing affinity for Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK, while emphasizing his respect for rival club NK Maribor.

Concurrently, 27-year-old Ljubljana-born forward Mlakar has returned to Maribor for a third stint in pursuit of a domestic league title. Addressing Olimpija's recent difficulties, Mlakar observed that past form carries little weight in rivalry fixtures, remarking that "in a derby they can only gain." He also expressed confidence in Maribor's club leadership.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Russian forces executed overnight drone strikes against Kyiv, injuring a resident shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United Nations General Assembly. During his speech, Zelensky described Russian President Vladimir Putin as "patient zero" of the conflict. The raids coincide with an announced campaign by Moscow to target Ukraine's power grid ahead of winter.

In response, Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil facilities have disrupted local fuel supplies, forcing Moscow to import petroleum products. Security concerns have also spread into Western Europe. Following the identification of two suspects linked to Moscow regarding explosive drone incidents in Leipzig, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the bloc "will not tolerate attacks" on its soil and is ready to deploy defensive measures.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Tensions near the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate following claims from Iranian state media that its forces targeted six vessels, including three commercial tankers and three American military ships, alongside an attack aimed at a US aircraft carrier. A fire aboard one affected tanker was reportedly extinguished.

US President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over maritime disruption, stating that the strategic waterway remains operational and asserting that Tehran is facing severe operational difficulties. However, reports indicate that American intelligence agencies have raised concerns regarding Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warning that commanders feel emboldened and could intensify the conflict.

The ongoing military exchanges threaten the fragile 14-point truce signed between Washington and Tehran in June following retaliatory strikes earlier this year.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Public confidence in artificial intelligence in Italy has declined significantly, according to a recent SWG survey presented at the Chamber of Deputies. Positive perception fell from 68 percent in 2020 to 49 percent, while public concern grew to 45 percent.

The shift reflects growing anxieties over technological disruption and economic consequences. Online search engines are increasingly integrating automated text overviews, raising concerns among publishers about reduced website traffic under a "zero click" trend. Concurrently, discussions around global labor markets highlight an estimated 425,000 job losses linked to automation over three years, alongside efforts by major tech corporations to resist state regulation. Despite these challenges, prominent Italian figures, including Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei, continue playing key roles in global technology development and risk management.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.

Following high-level talks in Washington, US President Donald Trump stated that both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin must reach a settlement to end the conflict prior to winter.

Speaking after their bilateral meeting, Zelensky characterized the discussions as "positive and productive," noting that Kyiv and Washington share the goal of stopping Russian aggression in the coming months.

Trump expressed optimism about a diplomatic resolution following a recent telephone call with Putin. "He wants a deal and, if Zelensky wants a deal, it would be great," Trump stated. He emphasized that achieving peace requires mutual willingness from both leaders to negotiate terms.

Sources: Expresso, Jornal Económico, RTP.