The debt finance team at A&O Shearman is jointly led by Pietro Scarfone, Stefano Sennhauser and leveraged finance specialist Diego Esposito, who arrived from Linklaters Studio Legale Associato in July 2025. Advising banks, private equity and alternative investment funds, pools of lenders and others, the group works on transactions in sectors such as healthcare and pharma, and navigates real estate and infrastructure projects in the hotels and hospitality arena, where Scarfone focuses. Marco Mazzola assists clients across a range of financing products and real estate financings. Luca Maffia left the team in September 2025.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The lawyers we have worked with, namely Stefano Sennhauser and Marco Mazzola, are (in their relevant roles) very experienced and professional, with a deep knowledge of the market (and relevant structures used internationally). Always available to answer exhaustively about any doubt. They are very proactive in helping us to find possible solutions when we are stuck with the client on specific topics.’
‘Diego Esposito stands out as a key partner. Always available, well-rounded knowledge, vast experience in different transactions on both sides, strong network, rapid follow-ups, exceptional connections.’
'A&O Shearman has a very good reputation as one of the best international law firms active in Italy. They place great importance on client service, making sure the right person is always allocated to the deal. It's a top-quality team with an all-round attention to detail and a commercial, pragmatic approach.'
'Stefano Sennhauser - very experienced, pragmatic and strong in providing good strategic advice. Pietro Scarfone: insightful, with excellent technical knowledge, attention to detail and a thorough approach.'
- ‘A&O is active on many landmark transactions in Italy, carving out a distinguished position in large sponsored transactions in both the infra and corporate fields. The team is known for its deep understanding of complex transactions and ability to tackle sophisticated structures, supporting the arrangers to navigate and optimize the financing package. The team is certainly a reference in Italy and in Europe ’
‘Stefano Sennhauser - certainly one of the most prominent and respected professionals in the leveraged and acquisition finance area in Italy, with a deep understanding across products and structures. Pietro Scarfone - Another reference in the Italian market.’
Work highlights
Advised Mediobanca, Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, and a pool of 22 banks in the context of an EUR2.9 billion refinancing signed by Nexi.
Advised the banks on the financing to support the acquisition by Ares Management Corporation of a 20% stake in Eni Plenitude S.p.A. Società Benefit, controlled by Eni, for a total value of approximately EUR2 billion.
Advised a consortium of seven banks on a EUR990 million senior secured notes offering issued by DOC Pharma and on its new EUR150m multi-currency revolving credit facility.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Pietro Scarfone
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Diego Esposito
Practice head
Diego Esposito; Pietro Scarfone; Stefano Sennhauser
Other key lawyers
Marco Mazzola