Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has been ordered to stand trial for alleged false accounting linked to Victor Osimhen’s transfer.
The ruling was issued by an Italian court, which claims the club falsified figures during the high-profile 2020 move. Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in a deal that immediately attracted scrutiny.
As part of the agreement, goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis and youth players Manzi, Palmieri and Liguori moved to Lille. However, Italian prosecutors allege the valuations of the four outgoing players were unjustifiably inflated. They argue the figures were manipulated to strengthen Napoli’s financial records.
According to Tuttosport, the case will also involve De Laurentiis’ long-serving associate Andrea Chiavelli. Napoli itself has been listed among the parties expected to stand trial. Meanwhile, proceedings are scheduled to begin on December 2, 2026.
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Defence team calls indictment “surprising” and criticises prosecutors
Despite the court’s decision, De Laurentiis’ legal team has sharply condemned the ruling. They described the indictment as “surprising” and insisted the matter should never have advanced to trial. In their view, the accusations lack legal foundation and rely on flawed accounting assessments.
“We are absolutely astonished,” said lawyers Gaetano Scalise, Fabio Fulgeri and Lorenzo Contrada in a firm statement. They argued that there were “clear grounds to acquit the defendants” before trial. Additionally, they accused the Guardia di Finanza of misapplying key accounting principles during their investigation.
The defence further noted that prosecutors themselves acknowledged Napoli gained no financial advantage from the valuations. They maintain that every element of the Osimhen deal was conducted properly and transparently. Nevertheless, De Laurentiis and the club will now prepare for a lengthy and highly scrutinised legal process.
The approaching trial ensures renewed attention on one of Italy’s most influential football executives. It also places the Osimhen transfer under fresh examination, more than four years after the initial agreement.
Tags: Napoli president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli, Victor Osimhen.
