Catania president Antonino Pulvirenti and vice-president Pablo Cosentino have undergone questioning in court for their alleged involvement in match-fixing.
Both men, along with other five suspects, are currently under house arrest for sporting fraud after claims that the Sicilian side bought at least five matches during the 2014-15 Serie B season in order to avoid relegation.
ANSA reports that both Pulvirenti and Cosentino have been the first to be questioned in front of judge Fabio Digiacomo during preliminary hearings.
A large deployment of police and Carabinieri officers had been placed in front of the courthouse in Catania due to fear of potential protests from supporters towards the suspects.
However, there have been no reports of an ultra presence at the courthouse so far during the opening interrogations.
Catania patron Pulvirenti affirmed his innocence from the match-fixing allegations ahead of questioning.
The Elefanti finished the 2014-15 Serie B season in 15th place, two points clear of the relegation playoffs.
