Oil giants ENI and Shell are to stand trial in Italy over allegations of bribery and corruption over the purchase of offshore oil block in Nigeria in 2011.
According to the AFP news agency, a judge in Milan ordered proceedings to begin on 5 March next year.
In a statement, ENI said its board of director had reaffirmed its confidence that the firm was not involved in “alleged corrupt activities in relation to the transaction”.
“ENI expresses its full confidence in the judicial process and that the trial will ascertain and confirm the correctness and integrity of its conduct.”
The Italian company also insisted its chief executive, Claudio Descalzi, who is also to face trial, “was not involved in the alleged illegal conduct”.
Shell said it was disappointed by the decision.
“We believe the trial judges will conclude that there is no case against Shell or its former employees.
Shell attaches the greatest importance to business integrity.
Shell has clear rules on anti-bribery and corruption and these are included in our Code of Conduct for all staff. There is no place for bribery or corruption in our company.”
OPL 245 is an oilfield off the coast of Nigeria with an estimated nine billion barrels of oil worth more than $1bn (£746m).
It is alleged the money paid to the Nigerian government was passed to a convicted money-launderer.
