World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon says play-off semi-final opponents Northern Ireland have been the “only focus” for Italy, and not the wider prize of a spot at the finals this summer.

Italy have not qualified for a World Cup since 2014 after play-off defeats by Sweden and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and they missed out on automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament after finishing second behind group winners Norway.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side could become the first World Cup winners to miss out on three tournaments in a row, but if they can progress against Northern Ireland and then beat either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina, they will be rewarded with a spot in Group B with co-hosts Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.

Buffon, who is Italy’s technical delegate, said it was “an important moment” and the full focus had to be on Thursday’s semi-final in Bergamo.

“We shouldn’t have any doubt, our focus is only on Northern Ireland and the semi-final,” Buffon told BBC Sport.

“Then, if we’re happy, we’ll think about the final against Wales or Bosnia.

“But for the last four months, our only focus has been on Northern Ireland, because that’s the way it is.

“Northern Ireland are the first obstacle, and they are a team that deserves our respect.”

Buffon, who played a key role in appointing World Cup-winning team-mate Gattuso in June, said Italy’s situation was a “situation of stress that has accumulated over the years”.

But he felt the team spirit that Gattuso brought to the job gives Italy the “right confidence to finally get to a World Cup”.

The game will be played at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, which has a capacity of 25,000, instead of the larger San Siro or Stadio Olimpico.

Italian journalist Daniele Verri had said he felt there was some superstition at play as Gattuso’s first game as manager was a 5-0 win over Estonia at the New Balance Arena, and Italy have not lost in any of their five matches in Bergamo across the span of 62 years.

Buffon said that the home of Atalanta was the “best seat” for the game, and the positivity around the venue made it the logical choice to play Italy’s biggest match in four years.

“When the coach played his first game we had a great win, and that evening we remember it was a great atmosphere and there was great support.

“The first half ended 0–0, but the people understood the effort that the team was giving and they supported us.

“This is something, a detail, that is in the minds of the staff and in the minds of the players, so it is very important.”

He said: “Separately, beyond these hostile state threats, I am also cognisant of a potential new threat: an emerging willingness of foreign actors and private citizens, including from allies like the United States, to interfere in, and influence, politics abroad in pursuit of their own agenda.”

These instances can often come at a financial cost, sometimes referred to as the “ADHD tax”, such as paying late fees and penalties for administrative delays, replacing frequently lost items, missing appointments or pre-booked travel, impulsive purchases and budgeting issues.

Harry Maguire is out of contract at Manchester United in the summer and talks have been held over a new deal to extend his stay at Old Trafford

Harry Maguire will seek assurances over his playing time before committing himself to a new Manchester United contract.

The veteran defender, now 33, is out of contract in the summer. United are keen to tie down Maguire to a one year deal with the option for another 12 months and the two parties have held talks about keeping him at Old Trafford. But Maguire doesn’t want to stay out of sentiment and admits he will only commit himself to a new deal if he believes he can remain a first choice for the duration of his contract.

“I think we’ll reach an agreement where it’s best for the club and myself,” he said. “What that agreement is, I’m sure you’ll find out over the next few weeks. But yeah, I think it’ll get sorted sooner rather than later, whether I stay or leave. But I think it will – it should – get sorted pretty soon.

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“I love this club. But it’s got to be right for myself, it’s got to be right for the club as well. I don’t want to be staying on sentimental value.

“I want to be staying because I want to be there and the club want me to drive the club forward still, and they feel like I’ve got a big part to play in it.

“And if that’s the case, then I’m sure we’ll sit down and reach something.”

Quizzed on what it would take to convince him to stay, Maguire added: “Playing games and helping the team on and off the pitch. I don’t want to be not feeling important.

“I want to be important to the club. So we need to sit down and speak – and I’ve got a long time off now with the red card.”

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri admits he would find it difficult to turn down a move to Real Madrid.

The 29-year-old has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world during his time at City, helping Pep Guardiola’s side win 11 major trophies including four Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Rodri suffered a cruciate ligament injury in September 2024 and completed just two Premier League games in 2025.

But since the New Year, the Spain international has played on a more consistent basis and delivered an impressive performance in City’s 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final last Sunday.

Rodri will have just a year remaining on his contract with City at the end of the season and in an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero on Wednesday evening, the midfielder made it clear that he would welcome a move to Madrid.

Asked if he would like to return to La Liga, Rodri replied: ‘I’d like to return, yes, obviously.

‘For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it, it’s true not as much as before, but I still follow it.

‘And I have to admit that the Premier League is my weakness. I think it’s a thrilling league but at the same time very demanding, meaning it pushes you to the limit. I’ve been there for seven years now, and I’m noticing the passage of time, but for the moment I’m very happy there.

‘I’m currently recovering from an injury, and what worries me right now is my feeling, my level, how to get back to my previous level. Not the contract issue, that will come, especially with a World Cup coming up, which is crucial for reaching my level.

‘Right now I’m free, well, obviously I have a year left on my contract, obviously there will be a point where we’ll have to sit down and talk, have a conversation.’

Asked if he would turn down a move to Real Madrid because he has already played for Atletico, Rodri replied: ‘No, I mean, there have been many players who have gone down that path, right? And especially not directly, but over time.

‘I mean, for me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.

‘They have a fanbase that really goes all out for them, and for me, the Bernabeu is always incredible, a stadium that’s very imposing.’

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The winner of the clash in beautiful Bergamo faces a World Cup play-off final against either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina next week

Gennaro Gattuso says Italy are bracing for a long-ball assault from opponents who will be “frothing at the mouth” when they face Northern Ireland tonight.

The Azzurri boss has told his players they must be prepared to suffer if they want to beat Michael O’Neill’s team in Bergamo and reach the World Cup play-off final against either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The former Rangers star said: “We’ve analysed seven or eight games — and I think that Northern Ireland’s main characteristic is this: a team that strongly believes in everything they do, that attacks you on second balls, they like to play vertically.

“They consistently throw the ball into the box, playing 70 and 80 yard passes with eight or nine players with an incredible hunger to score. They play on second balls, they know how to handle them, and we have to be good at that.

“They’re certainly a team that when they get the ball in the air, whether from set pieces or crosses, are incredible, because they have an incredible ruthlessness in this area, and these are Northern Ireland’s main qualities.

“We have to be ready, both physically and mentally, to face players who will be frothing at the mouth.

“Northern Ireland’s players fight for every ball as if it is the last ball of their lives. You have to understand it well, you have to know how to suffer.”

Nobody does history quite like the Italians. But even by their standards, Bergamo is special. Nestled in the foothills of snow-capped mountains, it’s a town of almost implausible beauty.

On Thursday night, however, the worry for the locals is that things could turn ugly.

For the thing about history is that, while it can swell the chest with pride, it can also burden the shoulders, depending on the gravity of the situation.

And for Italy, the situation is grave; lose tonight against Northern Ireland, and the four-time world champions will have failed to reach football’s biggest stage for the third time in a row.

As visiting boss Michael O’Neill put it: “We are the team with everything to gain. They are the team with everything to lose. Their players will have to deal with that.”

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As the manager of an underdog team, facing one of the game’s heavy-hitters on their own turf, the wily O’Neill knows psychology can be a huge factor in this World Cup play-off semi-final.

Ghosts lurk in the recent collective memory of the Azzurri. Haunted by failures against Sweden in 2018 and, more shockingly, North Macedonia in 2022, the boys in blue will look to perform an exorcism at the New Balance Arena tonight.

O’Neill isn’t shy about leaning into the fact that the heat is on the home side.

“The pressure of managing Italy is a lot different from the pressure of managing Northern Ireland.

“I have admiration for Gennaro coming in and taking the job when he did, after the previous manager left after two games.

“His results have been good, he’s had five wins and then a defeat in their last game, in Milan against Norway, 4-1.

“That’s the last game that they’ve played and it’s difficult because you can carry that result for a period of time.”

O’Neill’s young side, backed by their loyal Green and White Army in the stands, have the energy and enthusiasm to get about the Italians, to frustrate them and prey on any doubts.

He added: “It’s important for us to keep the game tight, to make sure that the game’s not too open. Italy will expect us to play it that way.

“The longer the game stays at 0-0, the more difficult it always becomes for the team with the expectation on them.

“The most important thing is we play the game in phases. We anticipate a tough start to the game but we also know we can carry a threat, whether that’s from open play or from set-piece situations.

“Italy have to deal with the situation they have but we don’t expect to come here and have a high-scoring game.

“The one thing we can’t lack as a team is desire and competitiveness.

“What we have in our team is real athleticism. The benefit of young players is that they like to run for long periods in the game and I think that will be a key feature. We have to make sure that we show the best side of ourselves in all of the duels and the physicality of the game.

“But obviously we have to demonstrate quality and use the ball effectively.”

Italy manager Gattuso will recognise and admire those qualities; as a player he had them in abundance, and was a vital cog in his country’s World Cup-winning team alongside the more lavishly gifted Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero and Andrea Pirlo.

His squad boasts no individuals of that calibre, yet it would be foolhardy to think they won’t have enough about them to dominate the majority of this contest.

Discipline, courage and a dose of good fortune will be essential for Northern Ireland.

Overlooking the battlefield is one of Bergamo’s many beauties: the Venetian Walls, built in 1561 to protect the city from enemy attacks. Yet one reason this Unesco World Heritage Site retains such grandeur is that the walls were never actually involved in a siege, never had their structure and integrity tested by bombardment and battering rams.

O’Neill’s men know they won’t have that luxury on Thursday night.

Possible teams:

NI: P Charles; Spencer, McNair, Brown, Hume; Galbraith, S Charles, McCann, Price, Donley, Charles.

ITALY: Donnarumma; Calafiori, Mancini, Bastoni; Palestra, Locatelli, Tonali, Barella, DiMarco; Kean, Retegui

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Transportation Security Administration may have to shut down operations at some airports if the budget impasse drags on, the agency’s acting head said Wednesday, even as record wait time for travelers did little to end the standoff over the funding fight in Congress.

The TSA’s Ha Nguyen McNeill described the mounting hardships facing unpaid airport workers — piling up bills and eviction notices, even plasma donations to make ends meet — and warned that lawmakers must ensure “this never happens again.”

“This is a dire situation,” she testified at a House hearing, warning of potential airport closures. “At this point, we have to look at all options on the table. And that does require us to, at some point, make very difficult choices as to which airports we might try to keep open and which ones we might have to shut down as our callout rates increase.”

Yet on the 40th day of the standoff involving the Department of Homeland Security, there was no easy way out in sight. Neither Republican senators, who made the latest offer, nor Democrats, who countered by reiterating their demands for changes to President Donald Trump ‘s immigration enforcement operations, appeared closer to a compromise.

Trump, who initially appeared to have given his nod to the deal, has declined to lend it his full support or put his political weight behind making sure it is approved.

Top officials at agencies under the DHS umbrella spoke for more than three-hours before the House Homeland Security Committee about the potential risks of security lapses unless the partial government shutdown comes to an end.

A deal teeters on collapse

DHS has gone without routine funding since mid-February. Democrats are insisting on changes to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement and mass deportation operations after the killings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis by federal officers during protests.

The latest GOP proposal would fund most of DHS except for the enforcement and removal operations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that have been central to the debate. The plan would provide money for other aspects of ICE as well as Customs and Border Protection.

While the offer added some new restraints on immigration officers, including the use of body cameras, it excluded other policies that Democrats have demanded, such as requirements that federal agents wear identification and refrain from conducting raids around schools, churches or other sensitive places.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said they needed to see real changes. “We’ve been talking about ICE reforms from day one,” he said.

Republican leaders said Democrats are putting the country at risk.

“They know this is crazy,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

But conservative Republicans also panned the proposal, demanding full funding for immigration operations and skeptical of the promise from GOP leaders that they would address Trump’s proof-of-citizenship voting bill in a subsequent legislative package.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said late Wednesday that if Democrats put a “more realistic offer on the table, we’ll be back in business.”

Airport lines grow

as TSA workers endure hardships

McNeill, the acting TSA administrator, told lawmakers that multiple airports are experiencing greater than 40% callout rates and more than 480 transportation security officers have now quit during the shutdown.

She cited the growing financial strain on the TSA workforce.

“Some are sleeping in their cars, selling their blood and plasma, and taking on second jobs to make ends meet, all while being expected to perform at the highest level when in uniform to protect the traveling public,” she said.

McNeil also said TSA officers working at the nation’s airports have experienced a more than 500% increase in the frequency of assaults since the shutdown began.

“This is unacceptable and it will not be tolerated,” McNeill said.

The top executive overseeing Houston’s airport said security lines that have travelers waiting four hours or more could get longer if the political impasse was not soon settled.

Lines that twist and turn across multiple floors at George Bush Intercontinental Airport have been the result of TSA only being able to staff one-third to one-half the usual number of checkpoint lines, said Jim Szczesniak, aviation director for Houston’s airport system.

Trump’s decision to send ICE agents to the airports risks inflaming the situation, lawmakers have said. Video footage of federal officers detaining a crying woman at San Francisco International Airport drew outrage Monday from local officials, although it was unrelated to Trump’s order to deploy immigration officers.

FEMA also at risk

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Relief Fund is “rapidly depleting,” Victoria Barton, a FEMA external affairs official, told lawmakers.

FEMA is able to continue its disaster response and recovery work as long as that fund has money, and about 10,000 of its disaster workers continue being paid through it.

___

Associated Press writers Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York, Rio Yamat in Las Vegas, Russ Bynum in Houston and Gabriela Aoun Angueira in San Diego contributed to this report.

Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been pictured taking her close adviser, Corey Lewandowski, on an official visit to South America amid claims the two are having a taxpayer-funded affair.

The U.S. Embassy in Guyana shared photos of Noem’s visit, where in two of which Lewandowski was pictured sitting next to her, Wednesday.

“Kristi Noem held a meeting with His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and Guyanese government officials to reaffirm the enduring U.S.-Guyana partnership,” the embassy wrote on X. “Their discussions focused on joint efforts to disrupt cartel and transnational criminal activity, strengthen border security, discourage illegal immigration, and promote economic opportunity.”

Earlier this month, Donald Trump announced that Noem’s tenure leading the Homeland Security Department, in which she oversaw the president’s massive immigration crackdown, was ending. Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma was subsequently confirmed by the Senate and sworn into the role.

Despite her ouster from the Homeland Security Department, Trump is keeping Noem in his orbit, albeit in a diminished role by appointing her the special envoy to his new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere called “The Shield of Americas.”

The initiative brings together leaders of several South American countries to commit to stopping drug cartels. Guyana was one stop on Noem’s tour, where she also visited the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Costa Rica and Ecuador, according to Reuters.

Noem and Lewandowski traveled on a Homeland Security Department plane, Reuters reported. The department would not confirm the “whereabouts of our plane” to the publication.

The Independent has reached out to the State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Guyana and the Homeland Security Department for comment.

Noem and Lewandowski’s relationship has been scrutinized over allegations that the pair, who are both married to other people, are having an affair. Both have denied the rumors.

During a House Judiciary Committee hearing earlier this month, Noem was asked by Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a California Democrat, minutes after Noem’s husband, Bryon, left the room, “At any time during you tenure as director of the Department of Homeland Security, have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski?”

“I am shocked we are going down and peddling tabloid garbage today at this committee,” Noem replied.

Photos of Lewandowski by Noem’s side on her trip have sparked backlash online.

Meghan McCain, a conservative media personality and the daughter of the late Republican Senator John McCain, wrote on X, “Kristi Noem – you brought Corey Lewendowski [sic] with you to Guyana after just being fired from your last job after being asked in front of congress if you’re in an unprofessional relationship with him….

“GIRL WHAT IS YOU DOING?!?”

Billy Binion, a reporter for the libertarian Reason magazine, wrote, “Why are my taxpayer dollars funding Corey Lewandowski’s travel to Guyana? How is that remotely acceptable?”

“Nice to see Corey Lewandowski continuing his work with the ambassador to the shield of the Americas,” CNN’s Andrew Kaczynski wrote.

Olivia Gazis, intelligence and national security reporter for CBS News, wrote that U.S. and state officials told the outlet Lewandowski is not employed by the State Department and there is no job lined up for him there in the future.

The officials added that the photos of Noem with Lewandowski are not from a State Department trip, adding that Noem departed for South America days ago while still in her capacity as Homeland Security secretary.

Motorists not familiar with the Highway Code may be unaware of rule 248, which could see anyone parking on the road outside their home fined.

Highway Code Rule 248 says: “You must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.”

This is because your car’s front headlights and indicators don’t have the same reflective properties as the rear reflectors, making it a potential hazard to other road users, especially in poorly lit areas.

UK speed limits explained

The RAC says: “The Highway Code isn’t the law, but many of its rules are in fact legal requirements under the Roads Traffic Act, which you can be prosecuted for contravening.

“You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence, disqualified from driving, or even sent to prison.”

This is what the Highway Code says for parking on the road:

• Do not park facing against the traffic flow
• Stop as close as possible to the roadside
• Do not park too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge
• The engine, headlights and fog lights must be switched off
• The handbrake must be applied before leaving the car
• You must look out for other road users when you open your door
• Passengers should exit the vehicle on the side next to the kerb
• Valuables should be out of sight and the car locked

The RAC also warns drivers to use parking lights on roads with a speed limit higher than 30mph.

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They said: “Parking lights must be used on a road or layby on a highway with a speed limit higher than 30mph.

“Check your vehicle’s handbook to find out how to operate them: often, they are engaged by clicking the indicator stalk either left or right as you leave the car, but some models have dedicated parking light buttons.”

Mo Rafique, a Vehicle Security Expert from Motor Guards UK, added: “Drivers often think they’re safe as long as they’re not on a double yellow line.

“But this rule is about safety, not convenience. Parking the wrong way at night means your car’s rear reflectors, which are designed to catch the headlights of oncoming cars, are completely useless. It becomes an invisible hazard.

“Many drivers are shocked when they receive a fine for this.

“They’ve likely been doing it for years without an issue, but as traffic enforcement becomes smarter, these lesser-known rules are being more strictly applied.

“The key to avoiding a fine is to take a few extra seconds to turn your car around before you park.”

Featuring shows from the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Ballet & Opera and National Theatre Live, audiences can enjoy world-class stage productions from the comfort of their local Vue.

To celebrate World Theatre Day on March 27, Vue Hamilton is highlighting upcoming theatre and opera productions showing on the big screen.

Featuring shows from the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Ballet & Opera and National Theatre Live, audiences can enjoy world-class stage productions from the comfort of their local Vue.

From the Royal Ballet & Opera is a classic from Wagner, Siegfried. Screening on March 31, follow the titular character as he navigates self-discovery, mythical creatures and long-hidden secrets.

On April 16, Arthur Miller’s powerful drama All My Sons arrives on the big screen via National Theatre Live. Set in post-war America, the gripping play centres on a successful family business whose past decisions during wartime begin to resurface, forcing those involved to confront questions of responsibility, guilt and moral compromise.

Bryan Cranston and Marianne Jean-Baptiste feature in the five-star, triumphantly acclaimed production.

For those looking for something more magical, on April 21, the Royal Ballet & Opera’s enchanting production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute promises a visually spectacular experience.

This beloved opera blends comedy, romance and fantasy as Prince Tamino embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Pamina, guided by the mysterious power of a magical flute and accompanied by the unforgettable bird-catcher Papageno.

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Rounding off the programme on April 30 is the dazzling musical favourite Funny Girl – The Musical. The beloved production tells the story of legendary performer Fanny Brice and her rise to fame, featuring iconic songs including Don’t Rain on My Parade and People, as it charts Brice’s journey from ambitious performer to Broadway star.

A Vue Hamilton spokesperson said: “World Theatre Day is a celebration of the creativity, passion and artistry that make live performance so special.

“These screenings bring the magic of some of the world’s greatest stages directly to the big screen.

“From powerful operatic epics to unforgettable drama and musicals, we are proud to give theatre lovers a chance to experience incredible performances in a new way.”

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com/big-screen-events.

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