Leading Italian independent Gianni Origoni Grippo & Partners and US giant Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton have both won new clients to advise on Swisscom's E3.7bn (£2.5bn) takeover of Italy's second-largest fixed-line operator, Fastweb.

Gianni M&A partner Filippo Troisi is leading a 15-lawyer team on the deal, advising alongside New York leader Sullivan & Cromwell on the offer.

Gianni, which is acting for Swisscom for the first time, is advising on most aspects of the deal, including M&A and regulatory issues.

Sullivan European counsel Oderisio de Vito Piscicelli is advising Swisscom on financing.

In the past Swisscom has instructed Allen & Overy, which advised it on its £2bn bid for Irish telecoms rival Eircom in late 2005.

Cleary is advising new client Fastweb after being instructed earlier this month. Cleary corporate partner Pietro Fioruzzi is leading the team, assisted by high-profile corporate partner Roberto Casati.

Gianni's Troisi told Legal Week: "This is the first time we have acted for Swisscom, which approached us through a recommendation. We hope to work with them in the future."