Ponte Morandi trial set for July 16 verdict on 2018 bridge collapse

An Italian court has scheduled the sentencing in the Ponte Morandi case for 16 July 2026, marking the conclusion of a three‑year trial into the 14 August 2018 collapse that killed 43 people. The proceedings have examined the conduct of 57 defendants, including former Autostrade per l’Italia chief executive Giovanni Castellucci and other senior managers, accused of multiple road‑traffic homicides, disaster, and falsification. Prosecutors have sought prison terms of 15 to 18 years for the principal accused, while some lower‑level officials may be acquitted and certain charges could become time‑barred between 2030 and 2031.

Recent testimony from Gianni Mion, former head of the Benetton‑owned Edizione holding, re‑characterised Castellucci’s role, softening earlier accusations of tyrannical behaviour. The prosecution objected to linking Mion’s statements to the trial, and the judge upheld the objection. The verdict will be announced in the afternoon of the hearing, with the detailed motivations to follow in the coming months.