A judge in Turin has ordered prosecutors to proceed with formal charges — known in Italian law as Imputazione coatta — against John Elkann, CEO of Exor, the holding company that controls the majority stake in Juventus.
ANSA report how the decision concerns two charges linked to an investigation into the alleged Italian residency of Elkann’s late grandmother, Marella Caracciolo. The development comes after prosecutors had requested the closure of this branch of the case, a request the judge ultimately rejected.
Court Decision and Legal Steps
The ruling obliges the Turin Prosecutor’s Office to formally draft the charges and present the matter before a judge, marking a notable step in the ongoing judicial process. Meanwhile, a separate procedure concerning Elkann’s proposal for probation — a legal measure allowing for potential settlement — continues before another magistrate on an independent track.
Defence Reaction
Following the court’s decision, Elkann’s legal team expressed both partial satisfaction and strong disagreement.
“While we appreciate the judge’s decision to close several aspects of the case,” Elkann’s lawyers stated, “the order to compel prosecutors to bring charges against John Elkann and accountant Gianluca Ferrero, president of Juventus, is difficult to understand. It contrasts with the public prosecutors’ own well-reasoned request for dismissal.”
The lawyers announced they will appeal to the Court of Cassation, challenging what they describe as an “abnormal” ruling.
“Charges Without Foundation”
In their statement, the defence reaffirmed their client’s innocence. “From a substantive standpoint, these procedural steps change nothing,” they said. “We continue to firmly believe the allegations against John Elkann are entirely unfounded. He has always acted properly and in full compliance with the law.”
They further clarified that Elkann’s willingness to reach an agreement does not imply any admission of guilt. Rather, they described it as a personal decision intended to bring a swift conclusion to a painful chapter, particularly after resolving all potential tax issues with the Italian Revenue Agency concerning the inheritance of Donna Marella Agnelli.
