MUNICH (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – An excellent World Cup so far. The season has been excellent, too, but the tournament has further highlighted the class of Michael Olise, a French international whom Didier Deschamps is nurturing and developing alongside Mbappé and Dembele, and whom Bayern Munich is desperate to secure.

According to Bild Sport, a contract extension is ready for the player, which will make him one of the highest-paid players in the squad, doubling his current €13.5 million gross salary and extending his contract until 2031.

This move is intended to ward off potential suitors, but also to deter the player who, according to Bild, dreams of one day wearing the Real Madrid jersey.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s greatest climate-related economic risks may come from Italy rather than rising temperatures at home, according to a new study by the Central Bank of Malta.

The research finds that Malta’s close trade and energy links with Italy create a “climate bridge”, allowing heatwaves, droughts and other weather shocks to spill over into the Maltese economy.

Italy supplies between 41% and 56% of Malta’s food imports, up to 60% of agricultural products, while Malta’s electricity and gas supply is largely connected to Italy through the Malta-Sicily interconnector.

The study shows that unusually high summer temperatures in Italy increase production costs and energy demand, driving up import prices and contributing to higher inflation in Malta.

It also found that Maltese services inflation, particularly in the catering and accommodation sectors, can exceed inflation recorded in Italy because of the island’s reliance on imported food and energy.

Droughts during key harvest periods in Italy have an immediate impact on Malta’s food sector, with processed food prices closely tracking increases in Italian inflation.

Beyond inflation, the research identifies a decline in Malta’s food manufacturing output following winter temperature anomalies in Italy, highlighting the impact of foreign climate shocks on domestic production.

Although climate-related disruptions can affect Italian energy production, government subsidies and increased local electricity generation help cushion Maltese consumers from direct price increases.

The study concludes that Malta’s economic resilience is closely tied to climate conditions in Italy and urges policymakers to monitor climate risks affecting key foreign suppliers as weather extremes become more frequent.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese people are less concerned than the EU average about defence, security, inflation and terrorism, but place greater emphasis on immigration, climate change and Artificial Intelligence, according to a published Eurobarometer survey.

The survey, conducted between late April and early May, found that inflation and the cost of living remain the top priority for 44% of Maltese respondents, followed by public health (37%) and the economy and job creation (30%).

Compared with the EU average, Maltese respondents were more likely to prioritise climate change (26% vs 22%), migration and asylum (22% vs 19%), and digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (15% vs 7%).

Nine in 10 Maltese said they were satisfied with their quality of life, well above the EU average of 83%, with health, social life and financial security cited as the main contributors.

Support for EU membership also remained strong, with 94% saying Malta has benefited from joining the bloc, compared with 74% across the EU. Nearly all respondents agreed that EU member states should work more closely together to tackle global challenges.

The survey also found that Maltese respondents were more optimistic than the EU average about the future of the European Union, Malta and their own families, despite a majority expressing pessimism about the global outlook.

Emotionally, Maltese respondents reported higher levels of confidence, serenity, happiness and determination than the EU average, although they were also more likely to report feeling anxious.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Sandro Tonali is making Italian football history. The national team midfielder is on the verge of joining Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham; pending official confirmation, his transfer from Newcastle to Spurs will be completed for a record-breaking fee.

According to The Athletic, the Magpies will receive £92.5 million (approximately €107 million) for the former AC Milan player, plus another £7.5 million (just under €9 million) in bonuses, bringing the total to around €116 million. This represents a record expenditure for Tottenham and the highest fee ever paid for an Italian footballer. A multi-year contract—also featuring record-breaking figures—awaits Tonali.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NOTTINGHAM (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – He took charge of Nottingham Forest in mid-February and managed to pull off a remarkable rescue mission for the team, but now he is venting his disappointment to the BBC. Vitor Pereira has revealed that—pending an official announcement—he is no longer the team’s manager. He is being replaced by former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who just weeks ago appeared to be on the verge of joining AC Milan. In a statement to BBC Sport, Pereira explained: “Although this decision came as a complete surprise—not least because there was no prior warning—I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it deems best for its future. Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened,” Pereira said. “I always believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the last few months. Together, we experienced a memorable end to the season. We secured our Premier League status, reached the Europa League semi-finals, and created moments that will remain etched in my memory forever.”

“Above all, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, conviction, and team spirit. Watching them develop, fight for one another, and represent this club with passion has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Pereira continued. “I leave Nottingham Forest without bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude, and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and although this chapter has ended sooner than anticipated, I will always look back on this adventure with pride and affection. This is a special club, and I sincerely hope it continues to grow and achieve great things.” Pereira still had one year remaining on his contract.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Sea surface temperatures in parts of the western Mediterranean climbed to as much as 6°C above the long-term average on Monday, according to satellite data released by the Copernicus Marine Service.

The EU’s Earth observation programme said the spike followed a marine heatwave in late May and was intensified by the prolonged heat that affected western and central Europe during late June.

Satellite imagery from 29 June showed the largest temperature anomalies in the Gulf of Lion off southern France and in the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas along Italy’s western coast.

Copernicus said sea surface temperatures also rose significantly in the southern North Sea and the Baltic Sea compared with late May.

The service said its data helps monitor marine heatwaves, assess ocean conditions and identify potential risks to marine ecosystems worldwide.

The latest findings also support forecasts by Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology Professor Aldo Drago, who predicted sea temperatures around Malta would reach about 28°C over last weekend.

The unusually warm swimming conditions were already evident on Monday and were expected to continue into Tuesday.

Drago said the warmest waters were forecast to extend from the Northern to the Southeastern coast of the island, while slightly cooler conditions were expected south of Gozo.

– Photo Copernicus Marine Service Inline image –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The jury trial of Yorgen Fenech, accused of complicity in the 2017 assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, opened on Wednesday before Judge Edwina Grima in Valletta.

Jury selection lasted about five hours, resulting in the appointment of nine jurors and six reserve jurors.

Fenech, who denies the charges, was arrested in November 2019 while attempting to leave Malta by yacht. He was granted bail in January 2025 after more than five years in custody under strict conditions.

The trial follows years of delays caused by constitutional challenges and defence applications. Judge Grima had previously ruled that jury selection would proceed despite further objections.

The hearing attracted international media and press freedom organisations, alongside members of Caruana Galizia’s family and Fenech’s relatives.

Three men have already been convicted for carrying out the murder, while two others received life sentences for supplying the bomb used in the attack. Prosecutors allege Fenech commissioned the killing through middleman Melvin Theuma and are seeking a life sentence.

Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb attack in October 2017 while investigating corruption linked to the Electrogas power station project.

Reporters Without Borders described the trial as a landmark moment for press freedom, expressing hope it would uncover the full truth behind the murder and help end impunity for crimes against journalists.

The trial is expected to last several weeks, with testimony from key witnesses central to one of Malta’s most significant criminal cases.

– photo Net News –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Marco Palestra is officially a Chelsea player. The Premier League club announced the signing in an official statement, confirming that the full-back joins from Atalanta on a contract running until 2033. He will link up with his new teammates for pre-season training under head coach Xabi Alonso.

Palestra, who was named Serie A’s Best Defender last season, said: “Many things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world. I’m really excited to get started. I felt the club’s enthusiasm from the very first day Chelsea showed interest in me. I can’t wait to meet the fans, my teammates and the coach. We have a very strong squad and a manager like Xabi. He explained to me how he wants us to play, and it’s a very exciting project. I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League.”

“Welcome to Chelsea, Marco!” the club’s statement concluded.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – “The brand is born from everyone’s shared sentiment. It is a club that generates over 1.1 billion, with landmark agreements such as those with Nike or Spotify. According to Forbes, in 2021 Barça was valued at 4.8 billion dollars, whereas in the latest report that figure rose to 5.7 billion. It is an exciting challenge. We have our own ownership model, which is indisputable. It is a distinguishing factor. As president, I see myself as the guardian of this model.” Joan Laporta said this during his inauguration ceremony as president of Barcelona, ​​a role he retained following his victory in last March’s elections.

“We have fended off attacks from rivals,” he added. “We have overcome every obstacle and are back. There are those who could not accept Barça establishing itself as a respected club and a beloved institution. I am convinced that the coming years will be exciting. The seeds we have sown will take root. We cannot let our guard down. In the face of attacks on our club, there will always be a president and a board of directors providing strong leadership, focused on defending our institution,” Laporta added.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MARSEILLE (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Bruno Genesio is the new manager of Marseille. The French club itself made the announcement. “This appointment is part of the new sporting cycle undertaken by the club to continue its development and sustainably strengthen its competitiveness at the highest levels,” the statement reads. Born in 1966, Genesio arrives following a stint at Lille. “He is a coach whose qualities are recognized throughout French football. His experience, standards, and vision of the game align perfectly with what we were looking for,” stated Stéphane Richard, Chairman of the club’s Board of Directors.

“Beyond his track record, we were convinced by his belief in our project, his desire to build something lasting, and his enthusiasm about joining us.” “The choice of Genesio came naturally. His experience, his knowledge of top-level football, and his ability to build competitive teams fit perfectly with our ambitions,” added Sporting Director Grégory Lorenzi. Genesio is also happy to embark on this journey: “I was drawn to the challenge I was offered. OM is a unique club with an exceptional history, a strong identity, and fans whose passion is renowned everywhere. I am truly happy to be part of this project. I can’t wait to get started.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews