"We are ready to proceed, as soon as Open Fiber's shareholders, I would say shareholder, takes a decision on the matter", Gubitosi told analysts in a call on third-quarter results.

He said advisers on the deal had been appointed.

Open Fiber is owned by Italian utility Enel and Italian state lender CDP.

(Reporting by Elvira Pollina and Stephen Jewkes; editing by Agnieszka Flak)