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If convicted of the libel charge Saviano, 43, could in theory
face up to three years' imprisonment, but under Italy's legal
system a fine of at least around 500 euros ($520) or a suspended
sentence are more likely.
"I'll defend the legitimacy of the critique of Power, even when
it is harsh. I have always argued my criticism and I will also
do so in court," the author said in written remarks to Reuters
before the first hearing.
A spokesperson for the prime minister's party did not respond to
a request for comment.
Meloni sued Saviano following a December 2020 TV interview in
which he lambasted her and fellow right-wing leader Matteo
Salvini over their attacks on migrant rescue NGOs.
"All the bullshit [said about NGOs], sea taxis, cruises [for
migrants]," he said. "All I can say is: bastards, how could you?
Meloni, Salvini: bastards."
Saviano spoke after seeing footage of a sea rescue by Spanish
NGO Open Arms in which a six-month old baby from Guinea died
before he could be airlifted to Italy.
Meloni, whose Brothers of Italy party was then in opposition,
responded with legal action against the "serial hater" Saviano.
Their court battle will play out against a backdrop of disputes
between migrant rescue charities and Italy's new right-wing
government.
Rome authorities accuse NGO ships of acting illegally, and last
week refused to let one of them dock in Italy, forcing it to
sail to France and provoking a bitter row with the French
government.
Saviano, who has lived under 24-hour police protection since his
2006 breakthrough book "Gomorrah", an expose on the Naples mafia
that was adapted into a movie and a TV series, was unrepentant
about his attack on Meloni.
"What should I be apologising for? For doing my duty to
criticize Power, as all intellectuals should do?" he said.
Saviano faces two more defamation cases pitting him against
Salvini, now deputy prime minister, and Culture Minister Gennaro
Sangiuliano.
The PEN International writers' association has urged Meloni to
drop her lawsuit.
"Pursing your case against him would send a chilling message to
all journalists and writers in the country, who may no longer
dare to speak out for fear of reprisals," it said.
($1 = 0.9674 euros)
(additional reporting by Angelo Amante, editing by Gavin Jones
and Angus MacSwan)
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