Clifford Chance (CC) has hired Bonelli Erede Pappalardo antitrust partner Luciano Di Via as head of antitrust in Italy.

Di Via, who joined Bonelli in 2001 and made partner in 2003, will join CC at the start of August and will be based in Rome, splitting his time between the office and the magic circle firm Milan outpost.

He has particular experience in the consumer, insurance and telecoms sectors.

Italy managing partner Charles Adams said: "Luciano's exceptional expertise and in-depth knowledge of industry sectors which are key for M&A activity are an ideal combination for our Italian and international clients."

Global antitrust managing partner Oliver Bretz added: "Luciano's experience with Italian and European regulators dovetails perfectly with the landscape, which increasingly requires a 'global but local' approach to cases."

His hire brings CC's Italy partner headcount to 19, alongside five counsel and roughly 100 fee earners.

CC's Italian antitrust practice boasts clients including Barclays, General Electric, airline Meridiana, tech giant Samsung, shipping company Tirrenia di Navigazione, retailer Carrefour and pharma group Pfizer.

The news comes after former CC Italy antitrust head Cristoforo Osti joined Italy's Chiomenti last autumn.