BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Another setback for Pedri. According to a statement released by the club, the Barcelona midfielder suffered “a muscle injury to the hamstring of his right thigh” during yesterday’s Champions League match against Slavia Prague, with a recovery time of one month.

According to the Catalan press, coach Flick will therefore be without the player for at least seven matches across La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. Pedri will miss games against Oviedo, Copenhagen, Elche, Albacete, Mallorca, Girona and Levante.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Government is holding individual talks with businesses affected by Storm Harry as it assesses the damage caused by the severe weather, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Thursday.

Speaking to journalists a day after the storm battered several localities, Abela said homes, businesses, farmers and infrastructure were among those impacted.

He noted that the Agriculture Ministry has already called on farmers and fishers to report any losses they suffered.

With regard to businesses, Abela confirmed that discussions are under way on a case-by-case basis to evaluate damages and identify the necessary support.

The Prime Minister said a forum of permanent secretaries met on Wednesday to begin evaluating the extent of the damage and mapping out remedial action.

“We won’t leave anyone alone,” Abela said, adding that a public outreach exercise has already been carried out and negotiations have started.

Meanwhile, local councils have been urged to immediately report storm-related damage as authorities move to address widespread infrastructural harm.

The Public Works Department said Storm Harry caused severe damage across Malta and called on councils to submit reports, particularly where safety, accessibility or emergency risks are involved.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bonett said the reporting system would allow repairs to be carried out with immediate effect, while Parliamentary Secretary Omar Farrugia thanked workers and councils assisting with repair efforts.

Authorities also appealed to the public to avoid closed coastal areas, as members of the Disciplined Forces responded to nearly 700 storm-related incidents amid Force 10 winds.

– Photo Malta Civil Protection Department –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SAO PAULO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – A letter addressed to the fans and the entire São Paulo community to announce his resignation. Julio Casares, president of the São Paulo club, has stepped down following allegations that have placed him at the center of an investigation for “suspected embezzlement.”

The decision comes even before the club’s general assembly ratifies what had already been decided by the club’s board, namely the suspension of Casares himself.

“Given the persistence of this matter, the need to safeguard my health and, above all, to protect my family from very serious attacks and threats, as well as to prevent this political dispute from continuing to harm the football team and the club’s sporting environment, I hereby submit my resignation from the position of president, with immediate effect,” Casares wrote.

Vice-president Harry Massis Júnior will assume the role on an interim basis.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela said the European Union must find a “pragmatic solution” to growing tensions over Greenland, warning against escalation with the United States on the eve of an extraordinary summit of EU leaders. Abela said the EU cannot afford to appear weak, but stressed that unity does not require confrontation. “Does this mean we have to raise the tone to appear united? No,” he said. Abela avoided commenting on the legitimacy of the tariffs and was cautious about the EU’s threat to use a so-called “trade bazooka,” saying any response must take into account its consequences.

“Our job is to lower this red-hot temperature,” he said. The prime minister described the relationship between Malta and Washington as “very strong,” describing it as an opportunity for dialogue, adding that he will present a “solid” position at the summit. “We will not remain on the edge,” he stated.

Foreign Ministry officials confirmed that Malta has supported Denmark discreetly in EU forums, but opposition MPs reiterated the need for public solidarity, warning that silence risks setting a dangerous precedent.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Jean-Philippe Mateta is pressuring his management. According to BBC Sport, the French striker has asked Crystal Palace to sell him this transfer window. This request seems like a welcome move for potential suitors, and there are plenty of them.

Juventus and Aston Villa are the most likely targets, with the Bianconeri reportedly rejecting the offer submitted to the London club, which is asking for 40 million pounds (approximately €46 million). Mateta, 28, has 18 months left on his contract with Crystal Palace and has no intention of negotiating a renewal.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Not just apologies in words and gestures, but also through concrete actions… and money. Manchester City players have not forgiven themselves for yesterday’s defeat away to Bodø/Glimt in the penultimate Champions League matchday, nor for the disappointment caused to the 374 fans who followed the team on the long and cold trip to Norway.

That is why, the day after the 3–1 loss, the Citizens’ dressing room decided to refund the cost of the match ticket (around £25, just under €29) to their supporters, collecting a total of £9,357 (approximately €10,740).

“Our fans mean everything to us,” said City captains Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland. “We know the sacrifices our supporters make when they travel all over the world to support us home and away, and we never take that for granted. They are the best fans in the world. We know they supported us in freezing cold conditions and had to face a long journey on a difficult night for us. Covering the cost of these tickets for the fans who went to Bodø is the least we can do.”

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi top the list, but they’re not the only ones. According to “The Mirror,” Manchester United, despite the excellent start of interim manager Michael Carrick, are looking for a big name to start a new era after the one begun with Ruben Amorim ended early with his dismissal.

The new name is said to be Niko Kovac, manager of Borussia Dortmund, who is popular with the owners, although the German England manager and the Italian Marseille manager are considered the most interesting prospects at Old Trafford. According to Sky Deutschland, United have already inquired about the former Croatian footballer and manager, who, among other things, has an excellent relationship with Christopher Vivell, one of the Red Devils’ technical directors. Kovac has a contract with Dortmund until 2027, but he would be one of the most popular alternatives if one of Tuchel and De Zerbi doesn’t arrive. Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, and Marco Silva are other names linked to Manchester United, also because all of their contracts are expiring.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Roma have officially announced the termination of Leon Bailey’s loan spell. The 28-year-old Jamaican forward, who joined the Giallorossi in the summer of 2025, will return to Aston Villa by mutual agreement with the English club.

“The club thanks Leon and wishes him all the best for the future,” the statement reads.

Bailey, who made 11 appearances for Roma, left the Italian capital yesterday on a flight from Ciampino to Birmingham.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s annual inflation rate edged down in December but remained higher than both the EU and euro area averages, according to the latest official data. Eurostat figures show that inflation in the EU, as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), fell to 2.3% in December from 2.4% in November.

Inflation in the euro area dropped more sharply to 1.9%, down from 2.1%. Malta’s inflation rate stood at 2.4% in December, a slight decrease from 2.5% the previous month, figures from the National Statistics Office (NSO) show. Across the EU, Romania recorded by far the highest annual inflation rate at 8.6%, followed by Slovakia at 4.1% and Estonia at 4.0%. The lowest rates were registered in Cyprus (0.1%), France (0.7%) and Italy (1.2%).

Compared with November, inflation declined in 18 of the EU’s 27 member states, remained unchanged in three and increased in six. In Malta, food continues to be a key driver of inflation. The highest annual increases were recorded in education (4.3%) and food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.7%). By contrast, prices fell in communications (-5.5%) and clothing and footwear (-3.2%). Rising meat prices were the largest contributor to overall inflation, while higher restaurant prices and air fares also pushed rates up. The HICP, however, does not capture owner-occupied housing costs. It is set to be revised next month to include gambling under recreation, sport and culture.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is slowly coming to terms with the aftermath of Storm Harry, as the worst of the violent weather has now passed and a cautious return to normality is underway under mostly cloudy skies.

Severe red and orange weather warnings were lifted on Wednesday, replaced by forecasts of isolated showers and significantly calmer south-southwesterly winds of Force 4. The gale-force winds that battered the islands on Tuesday morning, with gusts exceeding 100km/h in Valletta, have subsided, bringing widespread relief.

A key milestone in restoring connectivity was reached this morning with the resumption of Gozo Channel ferry services reconnecting Gozo with Malta after prolonged disruption. However, Gozo High Speed confirmed that fast ferry services between Valletta and Mġarr, as well as routes to Cotonera and Sliema, remain suspended today and tomorrow.

Emergency services continue cleanup operations following extensive damage across Malta and Gozo. The Civil Protection Department (CPD), supported by the Armed Forces of Malta, responded to nearly 200 incidents during the storm’s peak, ranging from uprooted trees and unstable structures to electrical hazards and fuel spills. Police assisted in more than 50 cases, while the authorities dealt with dozens of traffic collisions.

Coastal localities bore the brunt of the storm. Marsaskala was among the hardest hit, with flooded streets, shattered shopfronts and seawater entering buildings. Several roads were closed overnight due to severe damage. In Sliema, powerful waves destroyed a bus shelter, while paving stones were ripped up. A sailing boat was washed ashore in Birżebbuġa, and damage was also reported in the San Ġwann Industrial Estate.

Public services are gradually resuming. Schools have largely reopened, though some in heavily affected areas are assessing structural safety. Public transport is operating with some diversions, waste collection is restarting, and power has been restored following outages in several localities. Traffic lights damaged or displaced by the storm remain an issue in parts of Malta and Gozo, prompting calls for extra caution from drivers.

Authorities continue to warn the public to remain vigilant, particularly along the coast. Sea conditions remain high to rough, with swells of three to six metres, and people are urged to avoid low-lying promenades.

The Ministry for Agriculture has opened a reporting window for farmers to submit claims for storm-related damage by Friday evening. The data will be used to assess the national impact and may support a request for European financial aid.

Addressing parliament, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri praised early coordination between the Meteorological Office and emergency services, and thanked essential workers for their round-the-clock efforts. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, while Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries Alicia Bugeja Said urged affected fishers to seek assistance.

According to the Malta Meteorological Office, unsettled weather will persist through the week, with a higher chance of rain on Friday. Saturday is expected to be drier, though another weaker system could bring more showers and stronger winds by Sunday and Monday, well below the intensity of Storm Harry.

– Photo Malta Civil Protection Department –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews