Avatar photoMarco Bianchi

Marco covers Southern Europe's vibrant and fast-growing startup landscape. Based in Milan, he reports on funding rounds, product launches and ecosystem developments across Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta and Cyprus, with a keen eye for foodtech, mobility and consumer innovation.

Coleraine’s European Dream Ends in Heavy HJK Helsinki Defeat as Manager Demands Summer Football Switch

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Coleraine’s 8-0 aggregate loss to HJK Helsinki ended their hopes of reaching the UEFA Conference League group stage. Manager Ruaidhri Higgins blamed the heavy defeat on the league’s winter schedule and argued that moving to a summer season would improve Irish clubs’ competitiveness in Europe. He also highlighted a spate of injuries affecting the squad ahead of the domestic season.

Derry City’s European Dream Ends in Rijeka Defeat

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Derry City lost 1-0 to Rijeka in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League qualifying round, ending their European campaign. Manager Tiernan Lynch criticised the team’s lack of bravery and said they were punished after conceding early. He highlighted missed chances from Michael Duffy and Liam Boyce and called for a more confident, attacking approach.

Scotland’s Wheelchair Basketball Teams Shine at Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

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Scotland’s women’s wheelchair 3×3 basketball team secured a silver medal after defeating Australia in the semi‑final and losing to England in the gold‑medal match at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The men’s 3×3 side also celebrated a bronze medal, beating New Zealand in their contest. Veteran Robyn Love, who also coaches the women’s squad, reflected on the emotional journey from a car‑park venue in Birmingham four years earlier to the SEC arena today.

Cricket’s Greatest All-Rounder Honoured with State Funeral at Kensington Oval

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Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indian all‑rounder, was honoured with a state funeral at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. Former captain Sir Clive Lloyd, along with other cricket greats and national leaders, celebrated Sobers’ impact on the sport and Caribbean culture. The ceremony featured speeches, a guard of honour with cricket bats, and a procession through the capital.