Il Messaggiere - News from Rome, Modena, Reggio, Italy and the world

Luka Jovic fired AC Milan into the final of the Italian Cup with a brace in Wednesday's convincing 3-0 derby win over Inter Milan which sent his team through 4-1 on aggregate.

US President Donald Trump's popularity has sunk since his riotous return to the White House, polls showed Wednesday, with Americans criticizing him on key issues of the economy and immigration.

Former USA head coach Bruce Arena has criticised the appointment of Argentina Mauricio Pochettino to the role, saying that foreign coaches can't understand the importance of the job.

Inaki Williams fired Athletic Bilbao to a 1-0 home win over Las Palmas in La Liga on Wednesday to strengthen their chances of direct qualification for next season's Champions League.

India took a raft of punitive diplomatic measures against Pakistan on Wednesday, accusing Islamabad of supporting cross-border terrorism after a deadly attack on civilians in Kashmir.

Tens of thousands of mourners paid last respects to Pope Francis at St Peter's Basilica Wednesday, on the first of three days of lying in state for the head of the world's Catholics.

Iga Swiatek admits the strict doping protocols can be stressful for players but feels like she has "been through the worst" after surviving her positive test over contaminated melatonin.

India took a raft of punitive diplomatic measures against neighbour Pakistan on Wednesday, accusing Islamabad of supporting "cross-border terrorism" after a deadly attack on civilians in Kashmir.

US President Donald Trump lashed out at Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, blaming the Ukrainian president's refusal to accept Russian occupation of Crimea for failure to end the war.

Iga Swiatek says she has grown accustomed to the high pressure of expectations she shoulders each clay-court season and that she is "grateful" for the public's "high hopes" for her.

Star batsman Rohit Sharma smashed 76 and pace bowler Trent Boult claimed 4-26 as Mumbai Indians thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad to move up to third in the IPL table on Wednesday.

India took a raft of punitive diplomatic measures against arch-rival Pakistan on Wednesday, accusing Islamabad of supporting "cross-border terrorism" after a deadly attack on civilians in Kashmir.

The Cannes film festival said Wednesday that the screening of a documentary about Gaza photojournalist Fatima Hassouna at the event next month would honour her work after the "horror" of her death in an Israeli air strike last week.

The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank "must be made fit for purpose again," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday, arguing the institutions should be promoting economic growth instead of social issues.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy said the public's reaction to his enthralling victory at Augusta National had shown that his journey had connected with people in a special way.

US President Donald Trump said a deal to halt the Ukraine war was "very close" Wednesday but hit out at Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky over his refusal to formally cede Crimea to Russia.

Prosecutors opening Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault retrial described Wednesday how he ignored his victims' pleas to stop and abused his position to make them "feel small."

Tens of thousands of mourners queued to say their last goodbyes to Pope Francis at St Peter's Basilica Wednesday, as the body of the late Argentine pontiff began three days of lying in state.

The United States has piled pressure on Ukraine and Russia to find a peace agreement, with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance threatening to walk away if a deal is not made.

Ivory Coast's main opposition party has called for "marches" outside courts on Thursday, six months ahead of a presidential election, in protest against the removal of its candidate from the race.

Prosecutors in Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault retrial decribed how he ignored pleas to stop and abused his position to make his victims "feel small," as an majority-female New York jury heard opening statements on Wednesday.

Prosecutors delivered opening statements in the retrial Wednesday of disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein on rape and sexual assault charges before a majority-female jury in New York.

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi voiced interest Wednesday in seeking to become UN secretary-general when the position comes open in 2027.

Tadej Pogacar powered up the steepest part of the final Ardennes hill Wednesday to reclaim the Fleche Wallonne Ardennes classic title after a cold and rainy 205km slog over 11 climbs.

Artificial intelligence was struggling on Wednesday to forecast the outcome of the notoriously secretive and unpredictable process by which Catholic cardinals elect a new pope.

A set of four Shakespeare folios estimated to be worth more than £3.5 million ($4.7 million) will go on sale in London next month, auction house Sotheby's said Wednesday.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Wednesday urged Hamas to free all hostages, saying their captivity provided Israel with "excuses" to attack Gaza, as rescuers recovered charred bodies from an Israeli strike.

Around 200 French media groups, including leading television channels and newspapers, are taking legal action against Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, over its online advertising practices, their lawyers announced on Wednesday.

Boeing's CEO confirmed Wednesday that China had stopped accepting new aircraft due to the US-China trade war, as the company's shares surged following a smaller than expected loss.

Jose Maria Olazabal will reprise his role as a vice-captain for Europe's Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black in September, the European Tour announced on Wednesday.

France and Madagascar announced Wednesday they would strengthen economic cooperation through several ambitious projects, including a major hydroelectric dam, as President Emmanuel Macron kicked off a two-day state visit to the Indian Ocean island.

Tens of thousands of mourners began saying their last goodbyes to Pope Francis at St Peter's Basilica Wednesday, as the body of the late Argentine pontiff began three days of lying in state.

Donald Trump's tariff plans have increased the risks to public finances, the International Monetary Fund said Wednesday, warning countries to get their spending plans under control and prepare for "sharper" trade-offs.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka believes she will have "big chances" to perform well on clay this season, should she recapture the level she showed during last year's Madrid Open final against Iga Swiatek.

Donald Trump's tariff plans have increased the risks to public finances, the International Monetary Fund said Wednesday, warning countries to get their spending plans under control and prepare for "sharper" trade-offs.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Wednesday for an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire", hours after a Russian drone strike on a bus killed nine and as his top aide met Kyiv's allies in London.

Blessing Muzarabani's nine-wicket match figures and determined batting helped Zimbabwe stun Bangladesh by three wickets in the first match of the two-Test series in Sylhet on Wednesday.

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul on Wednesday, with the impact felt across Turkey's largest city where people rushed onto the streets.

Brandishing his government-gifted medals near a statue of the Virgin Mary in East Timor's capital, ex-rebel Crisanto de Jesus Alves da Costa says Pope Francis's message of hope on a rare visit last year offered a bright path for Asia's youngest nation.