STRASBOURG (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Strasbourg wasted no time in identifying the replacement for Rosenior, who has moved to Chelsea: it is another Englishman, Gary O’Neil, former manager of Bournemouth and Wolverhampton.

“I am proud to join this incredible club and I can’t wait to get started,” O’Neil said in his first comments. “Racing has a unique history, extraordinary passion, great resilience and, of course, loyal supporters who want to see this team play well and achieve results. We have a group of very high-quality players and clear, ambitious objectives for the season. My priority is to work hard with the team and give everything to ensure the club’s success.”

Out of work since December 2024, when he was dismissed by Wolves, the 42-year-old O’Neil – according to L’Equipe – has signed a contract until 2029 and will make his debut on Saturday in the French Cup against US Avranches.

In Ligue 1, the number of managerial changes since the start of the season has risen to four: previously at Monaco (Pocognoli for Hütter), Nantes (Kantari for Castro) and Nice (Puel for Haise).

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

SAO PAULO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – “Santos is my home. I’m safe and happy here. And it’s with you that I want to make my dreams come true.” Neymar and Santos are moving forward together: the almost 34-year-old Brazilian has officially extended his contract until the end of 2026.

A year ago, he decided to return to the club where he grew up to play consistently and convince Ancelotti to bring him to the next World Cup. The former Barcelona and PSG striker—who hasn’t been called up to the Seleção since October 2023—is currently recovering from surgery on his left knee, which he underwent after playing the last few league games with a torn meniscus in an effort to help the team secure survival. He is expected to return to action in early February.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Real Madrid is flying to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup without Kylian Mbappé. The French striker is not in the squad for Jeddah after being diagnosed with a knee sprain last week, although, according to Spanish media, Real Madrid have not ruled out a recovery in time for Sunday’s final should they beat Atlético on Thursday.

They certainly don’t want to take any risks, given that Mbappé’s knee problems date back to the match against Celta Vigo on December 7th, and despite everything, he played the full 90 minutes against Alaves, Talavera, and Sevilla, albeit not at 100%.

That’s why they opted to leave him in Madrid, to allow him to fully recover in preparation for the tour de force that awaits Xabi Alonso’s team upon their return from Saudi Arabia, including the Copa del Rey, La Liga, and the Champions League.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – “Cancelo? I’ve said it’s not done yet, but if it happens, I’ll be happy because it will give us attacking options. It’s a good solution and he’s a quality player.” Hansi Flick is ready to welcome the Portuguese full-back, who is expected to arrive on loan from Al Hilal.

This is a return for the former Inter and Juventus player, as he previously played for Barça in the 2023-24 season, but his loan was not renewed. “You know the situation better than anyone,” Flick, who arrived immediately afterward, told reporters. “We had to be smart with the transfer market; we’re not like other clubs that can spend hundreds of millions. At that time, the best thing for the club was to give opportunities to young players. We believe in them, and now we have the option of signing a top-notch, experienced attacking player. I’ll be 100% happy if we sign him.”

The choice fell on Cancelo also because “with Araujo’s return, we’ll have enough options at center back.” And speaking of the Uruguayan center back, who returned after taking a month off due to stress, “I want to talk to him. We haven’t decided. If he’s ready, maybe we’ll change something. That’s not in our plans right now. We need to take care of the players. Everyone. Players are under pressure, and we’re human. We make mistakes, and we need to be there to support them. I appreciate what the club has done in this situation. Ronald is a very important player for us, one of our captains. I hope he returns to his best.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A shortage of a key HIV prevention pill in Malta is raising concerns among people living with HIV and health advocates, who warn that gaps in prevention could worsen transmission rates and increase pressure on patients.

Local stocks of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) expired earlier this month, leaving the drug unavailable through pharmacies. While PrEP is taken by HIV-negative individuals, it plays a crucial role in reducing new infections and protecting those already living with HIV from onward transmission.

Checkpoint Malta, an NGO working in sexual health and HIV awareness, said it began receiving alerts about the shortage just before Christmas. Since then, concerns have grown among patients and communities most affected by HIV.

“The government has pushed the free PrEP introduction again, so people can’t get it for free. And now they can’t even pay for it because there is no stock,” said Checkpoint Malta president Marc Buhagiar, noting that ordering the drug online is currently the only option.

Health authorities had pledged to introduce free PrEP, but a public tender for PrEP and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) has been delayed until 2026. A health ministry spokesperson said the government plans to begin providing both by the first quarter of 2026 and is “monitoring the situation” in the meantime.

Advocates warn that interruptions in prevention tools could have serious consequences for people living with HIV, who may face increased anxiety, stigma and health risks if new infections rise.

According to official figures, 721 people are currently living with HIV in Malta. In 2023, the country recorded its highest per capita rate of new HIV diagnoses in more than a decade, retaining the highest rate in Europe for the second consecutive year.

While HIV patients continue to receive state-funded treatment, campaigners argue that prevention gaps threaten to undermine years of progress in HIV care and control.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NEWCASTLE (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Manchester United? No, thanks. Eddie Howe has immediately withdrawn from the running for the Red Devils’ job, which has become available following the dismissal of Amorim. “The most important thing for me is the happiness I have at work, the relationships I have with the people around me,” the Newcastle manager explained, responding to those who asked him about a possible move to Old Trafford.

“Things can change at any football club, but right now I’m very happy here and will continue to be so as long as I can express myself in the best way possible and be the best version of myself.” Howe knows he enjoys the trust of the Saudi owners. “For a club to be successful, there must be unity from top to bottom, there must be a good atmosphere among everyone,” he added.

“I’ve always had an extraordinary relationship with the board of directors, and that has never changed. I consider myself very fortunate to have all this, because very few coaches have the time to build these relationships. Having mutual trust and confidence is really important. I hope it stays that way for a long time.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Ruben Amorim’s dismissal will inevitably have repercussions on Manchester United’s transfer strategies, with departures potentially frozen and surprise returns.

Such is the case for Marcus Rashford, who was sidelined by the Portuguese manager, first joining Aston Villa in the second half of last season and then Barcelona. The English striker is under contract with the Red Devils until 2028; the Blaugrana aren’t so keen on making him permanent, and without Amorim, the player might even consider a return to Old Trafford. Other players in the squad are also considering their futures: according to the Mail, Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee—wanted by Roma—and Manuel Ugarte were all ready to leave this transfer window had Amorim remained, but given the change of manager, their departures are no longer a given.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Liam Rosenior is officially the new manager of Chelsea. Following a press conference held this morning in Strasbourg to announce his acceptance to the Blues, the 41-year-old Englishman was announced by the London club as the successor to Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day. Rosenior has signed a long contract until 2032, making this his first Premier League experience.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Three Maltese artworks are being exhibited together abroad for the first time at the Gallerie d’Italia in Naples, highlighting a significant artistic collaboration between Malta and Italy.

The works form part of Un altro seicento: L’arte delle donne nel Viceregno (An alternative 17th century: Women’s art in the Viceroyalty), an international exhibition re-examining Baroque art through the contribution of women artists.

At the centre of the Maltese contribution is a rarely displayed painting by Maria de Dominici, on loan from the Parish Church of the Assumption in Attard through the Archdiocese of Malta. The painting, depicting the Virgin Mary with plague saints Roch and Nicholas of Bari, is shown alongside two related works by Mattia Preti, de Dominici’s presumed mentor.

The display was conceived by Prof. Keith Sciberras of the University of Malta, who said it highlights the artistic dialogue between the Maltese artist and Preti, underscoring cultural and artistic links between Malta and Italy in the 17th century.

De Dominici (1645–1703), believed to have studied under Preti before establishing her own studio in Rome, is recognised as Malta’s earliest known woman painter. Her inclusion places Maltese art within a broader Mediterranean context.

Ahead of the exhibition, the Attard painting was restored by Maltese conservators ReCoop, with support from the Gallerie d’Italia. The conservation revealed original colours, earlier restorations and adjustments made by the artist herself.

The Archdiocese of Malta oversaw the loan, with senior collections officer Dr Matthias Ebejer noting that such international collaborations strengthen institutional ties and bring Malta’s cultural heritage to wider audiences.

The exhibition runs until 22 March 2026.

– photo Archdiocese of Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews